Dallas Stars Daily Links: The Stars Reap Rewards For Solid Play

The Dallas Stars often struggle to reap the rewards of fundamentally decent play, and the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs have been no exception so far. So it seems pretty important that they did both during another series-tying game with the Calgary Flames on Sunday afternoon.

Sean Shapiro examines the Stars’ latest win – starting with John Klingberg’s unique point shot and why it confounds netminders...

It’s a floating, high shot from the point. That’s not common in the NHL – in fact, it’s not common in hockey at any level. Defensemen are coached at a young age to keep their point shots low and hard, not in the areas where they could hit a body or teammates in front of the net....

Klingberg joked about it after the game that he just has too big of a curve, but in reality, it’s not a joking matter. It’s a reason why he’s one of the most unique defensemen in the NHL.

...through Ben Bishop and his worrying injury status:

Bishop was the Stars’ starter in Game 2 and while he won that game, he looked a bit rusty and behind the pace of the game – specifically with his recoveries – after missing the final two games of the round robin due to injury.

[Anton] Khudobin has been a well-cashed-in insurance policy as the 1B and once again performed well, but Bishop’s injury history and this latest development lead to further concerns for the goalie’s future and serve as a constant reminder that a high-quality backup is key to team success during the length of Bishop’s contract.

...to the Flames’ attempt to throw the book at Dobby, with negligible results:

The Flames tried to play mental games with Khudobin by pointing out to the referees that the goalie wasn’t using white tape on the knob of his stick and instead was using green like he’s been using all season....

Khudobin made his stick compliant by adding a strip of white tape on the top of the knob.

And, no, I didn’t know this was a rule until today.

There’s much more behind the paywall. [The Athletic DFW]

Stars Stuff

He’s 2,000 miles from Edmonton, but Razor is still living his best life right now.

Add this nice stat to Joe Pavelski’s large collection of other nice stats.

Sportstoons commemorated Pavs’ playoffs hat trick with a true collectible.

Around The League(s)

#Murder Was The Case

• The Colorado Avalanche will not sweep the Arizona Coyotes, who won a 4-2 decision despite being outshot 51-21. [Mile High Hockey]
• The Chicago Blackhawks were one step closer to getting the broom after dropping a 2-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday. [Knights On Ice]
• But as we say, the Hawks know how to win – and they staved off an early departure thanks to Corey Crawford and a 3-1 victory on Sunday. [Second City Hockey]
• And the St. Louis Blues finally drew blood against the series-leading Vancouver Canucks with a 3-2 OT win. [Nucks Misconduct]

Oskar Lindblom is back on the ice, and the Philadelphia Flyers can barely contain their joy.

Meanwhile, Boston Bruins ace Tuukka Rask will not return to the playoffs. Fluto Shinzawa reports on the behind-the-scenes factors that led to his opt-out.

The Carolina Hurricanes lost Game 3 and may have lost Andrei Svechnikov for at least the rest of the Boston Bruins series.

The Kraft Hockeyville USA finalists have gone public – and Texas has a rooting interest this year. Don’t forget to vote!

Finally

You can always use a little more Klinger. Enjoy.