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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Andrew Ladd-less Jets Down Stars 6-3

Despite getting the win in Winnipeg on Tuesday night, the Stars lost the second game of their home-and-home with the Jets 6-3.

As it turns out, there was plenty to talk about before the puck even dropped, as Jets captain Andrew Ladd was shipped back to Chicago, where he won at Stanley Cup in 2010. (Friendly reminder that NHL.com has a Trade Tracker for you.)

The trade makes it abundantly clear that the Blackhawks are in “win now” mode and are gunning for the Cup. Meanwhile, last night’s game might have made Stars fans wish Jim Nill had been the one to pull the trigger on a trade.

Mike Heika wrote about the loss and the problems plaguing the Stars.

It wasn’t just the lopsided loss to the struggling Jets (26-30-4), it was the fact that the performance left so many questions in the minds of Stars fans. With this being touted as a preview to the playoffs, the Stars saw awful goaltending, leaky defense and lack of poise.

Antti Niemi started in net and allowed three goals on eight shots before being pulled. Niemi has allowed 11 goals in his last three starts, and Thursday’s variety was ghastly…

For a look at the Andrew Ladd trade, head to Second City Hockey. Otherwise, you can read more about the game at the link. [SportsDayDFW]

As the Eric Staal trade rumors continue, the folks at Cane Country bring up Mattias Janmark as a guy they’d like in return for the center if he headed to Dallas. [Canes Country]

The Stars rank among the “Sellers” in the Central, and Flames defenseman Kris Russell could be a potential target for the team. [ESPN]

Sports Illustrated’s Allan Muir debates potential non-rental trades. And although he acknowledges that Jim Nill doesn’t seem too likely to trade Valeri Nichushkin, a return like Kevin Shattenkirk might make him willing to deal. [SI]

Speaking of Nichushkin, Blueshirt Banter’s Kevin Power would be willing to give up Keith Yandle or Chris Kreider in exchange for the Stars forward. [BB]

Mike Heika talks about the Stars’ struggle for consistency while juggling eight defensemen. [SportsDayDFW]

Ducks forward Ryan Kesler describes playing hockey in Michigan and defines what he considers the American style of hockey.

TSN’s Travis Yost says that, whether they mean to or not, officials tend to even out power play opportunities throughout a game. [TSN]

After trading away players like Joe Thornton and Tyler Seguin, have the Bruins created problems at center for themselves? [The Hockey News]

Elsewhere in the Central…

The trade deadline is coming, and some of your favorite players will be sent packing. Here’s a handy guide to what that process will be like, courtesy of Sean McIndoe. [Sportsnet]

From Jonathan Drouin to James Reimer, the 10 most interesting names floating around the trade market. [Globe and Mail]

Former Devils forward Ilya Kovalchuk could be making a return to the NHL.

Jets forward Bryan Little will miss the rest of the season with a fractured vertebrae. [The Hockey News]

Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry is also out for the remainder of the year with a sports hernia. [NHL]

Plenty of questions remain as the trade deadline moves closer. The Oilers, for starters, need to decide whether they want to finally deal a key player like Jordan Eberle or Nail Yakupov. [CBS Sports]

And finally, John Klingberg says hey. (Again. And again.)

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