There haven’t been too many bright spots to this year, but Adam Cracknell’s career-best season is definitely one of them. Mark Stepneski dives into Cracknell’s performance in 2016-17 and points out that the forward has played with seven NHL teams in 11 seasons.
But now, Cracknell is hoping he has found some traction in Dallas, where he has had a career-year at the NHL level and earned himself a one-year, $675,000 contract extension for 2017-18.
“It’s a nice feeling coming to the rink knowing that you are part of the team and not worrying about what could go wrong,” Cracknell said.
Cracknell’s success this year is, in large part, due to his work ethic.
While he’s not flashy, it is hard to miss Cracknell around Stars practices and morning skates. He is usually the first skater on the ice, putting pucks on net to help the goaltenders get some work.
“He’s a guy that is out there 20 minutes early every day with the goaltender coach and the goaltenders, doing all the work and shooting every day,” Ruff said.
See what else Cracknell has to say at the link. [Stars]
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In his latest Stars chat, Mike Heika gives his best-case/worst-case draft scenarios and says he thinks Ales Hemsky could be back next season. [SportsDayDFW]
Also from Heika, a look at how the Stars decide whether to focus on scoring or defending during the season’s remaining games. [SportsDayDFW]
If you ask Sean McIndoe, the Stars aren’t the most disappointing team this season, but they’re still pretty darn close. [Sportsnet]
Some listening material for your Wednesday morning…
NEW PODCAST: It’s time to talk about the Stars, coffee, and college hockey SOUNDCLOUD: https://t.co/xSxF8BbsFe up in iTunes soon
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) March 21, 2017
Here are the players to watch out for in the upcoming NCAA Frozen Four—including Dallas prospects Riley Tufte and Rhett Gardner. [The Hockey News]
Gary Bettman says “people should assume” that the NHL isn’t going to the Olympics. [TSN]
Just how much do late-season streaks and slumps matter in the playoffs? [The Hockey News]
A “disconnect” with his players could mean that Dan Bylsma is on his way out as the head coach in Buffalo. [Sportsnet]
The Penguins clinched a playoff spot last night, and Sidney Crosby did this.
Sidney Crosby is simply spectacular. pic.twitter.com/xZRxeGuRCU
— NHL (@NHL) March 21, 2017
Stay tuned for a documentary of The Russian Five. [The Hockey Writers]
Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot is on his way to breaking records in Edmonton. [The Hockey News]
Keep an eye out for the Vegas Golden Knights jerseys, which will be revealed in June. [NHL]
Catch up with Ilya Bryzgalov. [Puck Daddy]
And finally, the Stars are building an eighth StarCenter.
The Dallas Stars & the City of Mansfield formally announced today the construction of a StarCenter in Mansfield, TX. https://t.co/N8HGzoEMbd
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 21, 2017