The Stars have earned themselves a break. Nick Cotsonikas takes a look at how they’re using the extra days off.
The Dallas Stars have spent the past few days enjoying what, for them, amounts to a long weekend. Save for an all-skate and a mandatory practice on Monday, the Victory Green Gang have made chilling at home a priority.
After knocking down the past two Stanley Cup winners to earn that reprieve – including the Colorado Avalanche in six games – the Stars want to make the most of it. And the rest-vs.-rust argument doesn’t worry them, writes Nick Cotsonikas of NHL.com:
“I’m not worried about rust,” Dallas coach Pete DeBoer said. “I think it’s going to end up being [five days between games]. Honestly with the two series we just went through, I think we could use the time.
“I think it’s actually probably a perfect amount of time that we can recharge and get some guys healthy and get reset for the next round. Rolling that first round into the second round with the two opponents we had was a really tough run of hockey.”
“Rest is good” seems like a pretty easily confirmed value, but DeBoer has brought receipts:
“I think if you look at the Stanley Cup winners over the years, there is a common denominator there in a lot of those,” DeBoer said. “A lot of them have finished series off before the seven-game mark at different points. I think that’s important.”
This gives injured players time to heal. DeBoer said center Roope Hintz, who missed the past two games with an upper-body injury, is day to day and skated Monday before the full practice.
There’s more at the big site – including Logan Stankoven’s thoughts on how much very young players benefit from a break like this. (A weekend off: It’s not just for olds anymore!) [NHL]
And while you’re clicking through, check out Heika’s latest post about the Stars’ bandwagon effect.
Stars Stuff
There are two players in particular who stand to gain from this little break. The Dallas Morning News‘ Stars reporter-on-the-scene was at the rink yesterday.
Robert Tiffin posts a reflection that’s as much about life as it is about the Stars, as is his way.
Sportstoons is on a bit of Stars roll right now. Here’s what he came up with to commemorate Chris Tanev’s between-shifts removal of his teeth from his lip (or was that his lip from his teeth…?):
OK, it took The Hangar no time at all to come up with their new signature item.
The Story So Far – The Matchups
The throwback series is on! The Stars will take on the Edmonton Oilers for the big Western Conference enchilada.
Meanwhile, the battle for the Prince of Wales Trophy could be decided by two exceptional netminders.
Around The Leagues
Have we mentioned that there’s international hockey going on too, as well, also? USA-Latvia in the #MensWorlds is on NOW. Follow it here.
Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park
Sure, their season just ended, but the Texas Stars are already getting set for the next one.
Finally
Next stage begins in two days. For now, let’s just bask. Enjoy.