It was a bit of a wild ride last night, as Adam Cracknell recorded his first career hat trick to help power the Stars past the Sharks to a 6-1 win.
Adam Cracknell had one multi-goal game in his career.
Tonight, hats. 🎩🎩🎩 pic.twitter.com/TbDp8AF8mW— NHL (@NHL) March 25, 2017
Cracknell’s three goals obviously meant he had to wear this.
🦈🦈🦈 pic.twitter.com/h4iRFe584P
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 25, 2017
It was also Tyler Seguin’s 500th career NHL game, so he and Cracknell celebrated accordingly.
Seggy and Cracknell making a 500 for Seguin’s 500th career NHL game. #GoStars pic.twitter.com/lmM5DQU5Rq
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 25, 2017
The Stars’ win also meant that they avoided being mathematically eliminated from the playoffs for at least a little while longer. Mike Heika had a few more bright spots to point out.
In addition to Cracknell’s big night, Curtis McKenzie and Remi Elie each had two assists. All three were expected to play mostly in the AHL this season. All three showed a pretty good San Jose team (42-25-7) that they can dig in no matter what time of year it is.
And in injury-related news…
Jiri Hudler won’t play Sunday. Ruff said Stars will likely call up forward for road trip.
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) March 25, 2017
For more on the game, head on over to the link. [SportsDayDFW]
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In his latest Stars mailbag, Sean Shapiro compares Denis Gurianov and Val Nichushkin, and names who he thinks will be back in Cedar Park next year. [Wrong Side of the Red Line]
Last night, the Stars donated to a good cause.
Half of tonight’s 50/50 Raffle will go to Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls! Dan Hamhuis will match up to $5,000! Go find a seller and support!
— Dallas Stars Fndn (@DS_Foundation) March 24, 2017
Although Boston University eventually beat North Dakota in overtime, Stars prospect Rhett Gardner picked up a goal in the game.
#Stars forward prospect Rhett Gardner scores the first goal of the #NCAAHockey Championship for UND. https://t.co/xBha08vpdO
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 24, 2017
How a rash of injuries can derail a team’s playoff hopes. [TSN]
NHLers, from Ben Bishop to Erik Karlsson, are saying that they want to go to the Olympics. [ESPN]
Here’s what you should keep in mind if you’re trying to pick a dark horse Stanley Cup contender. [Sportsnet]
The NHL is headed to Sweden and (reportedly) China.
Introducing the 2017 @SAP #NHLGlobalSeries. A two-game series in Stockholm, SWE between the @Avalanche and @Senators https://t.co/oVMrIoiG41
— NHL (@NHL) March 24, 2017
Has hiring Claude Julien as their head coach helped the Canadiens? [The Hockey News]
It’s a good time to be a Leafs fan. [Sportsnet]
College hockey players have never been more talented. [New York Times]
Also from the NYT, what the USWNT’s boycott says about leadership in women’s hockey. [NYT]
And finally, if you haven’t already, help out Capitals winger Justin Williams.
Looking for advice on hairstyle for this years upcoming team photo. @Capitals
— Justin Williams (@JustinWilliams) March 23, 2017