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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Ales Hemsky Thinking Less to Score More

Posted on by Melissa Flandreau

Heading into tonight’s tilt with the Bruins, Ales Hemsky has four points (two goals, two assists) in the past five games. What’s responsible for the current hot streak? Learning to relax, says Mike Heika.

“Confidence helps for sure,” he said. “Sometimes, you just have to stop thinking so much and just try to play your game. I think I’m skating better and when you get a role that’s more involved, that helps you. It feels good.”

Lindy Ruff has noticed the step up in Hemsky’s game and had the winger skating with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin during Friday’s practice.

“When Hemmer is skating the way he’s skating, he’s creating a lot of his own chances,” Ruff said about the potential move to the first line. “It’s an option I would like to try. I like where he’s at. It’s an opportunity to see if we can find something that’s really dynamic.”

For more on Hemsky, head on to the link. [SportsDayDFW]

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Tonight, the Stars return to the AAC to take on the Bruins at 7 p.m. [Stars Inside Edge]

While ruminating about the trade market and the appeal of acquring Loui Eriksson, Sports Illustrated’s Allan Muir named Canadiens forward Dale Weise, Flames defenseman Kris Russell, and Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak as players who could fit in with the Stars. [SI]

Also at SI, the Stars fall into the “back of the line” category in regards to which teams are up next for an outdoor game. [SI]

As it turns out, Ed Belfour is auctioning off items in order to fund a business venture—he and his son are hoping to open a distillery in the next year. Cheers! [AP]

The Stars aren’t the only team in the Central Division to have successful goalie tandem this season. [The Hockey Writers]

On the topic of memorabilia, Tyler Seguin is making it easier for you to get his autograph.

Reports that the Canadiens are “gauging the market” on P.K. Subban set the Internet (and DBD commenters) atwitter yesterday. Darren Dreger says hit the brakes—Subban’s staying put in Montreal. [TSN]

Speaking of trouble in Montreal… the Habs will be without David Desharnais (broken ankle) for at least three weeks. [Habs Eyes on the Prize]

Sean McIndoe’s grab bag includes thoughts on Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman’s suspension and past trade deadline deals gone south. [VICE]

Leo Komarov‘s hit on Ryan McDonagh will have him sitting for several games.

If the Oilers choose to buy out Andrew Ference’s contract, the defenseman is prepared to hang up his skates and dive into life after hockey. [ESPN]

Blackhawks rookie Artemi Panarin still leads the Calder race. See how Connor McDavid and other first-year standouts stack up. (Sadly, Mattias Janmark is not included among them.) [CBS Sports]

As of now, ads for World Cup of Hockey uniforms haven’t been sold. That could still change, however. [TSN]

It’s Stadium Series Weekend in Minnesota, and you can follow along with the coverage/events at Hockey Wilderness.

Sportsnet’s Damien Cox debates whether or not the Rangers should part ways with Keith Yandle. [Sportsnet]

The CWHL’s Brampton Thunder are trying out helmet-mounted POV cameras, which could help with #fancystats. [The Hockey News]

John Tortorella may be yelling less and teaching more, but his way of going about things is still trademark Torts:

“I even try to manipulate situations to try and cause an argument,” Tortorella said. “I want an argument. I want the conversation.

There’s more at the link. [Columbus Post-Dispatch]

Amanda Kessel talks about recovering from the concussions that nearly ended her hockey career. [The New York Times]

And finally, the Sedins are featured in the latest NHL After Dark.

Talking Points