The postseason starts off tonight with five games (and you can check out that schedule here). But for the Stars, it’s already all about offseason moves. Josh Bogorad shares his thoughts on the future after the team’s exit interviews and dismissal of head coach Lindy Ruff.
Four out of five teams that made a coaching change last off-season responded by qualifying for the playoffs this year. Of course, nothing is guaranteed by simply making a change, but the point remains the same as the Stars players reminded us 11 months ago. No results from the prior year get carried over. For better or worse.
Bogorad goes on to point out general manager Jim Nill’s comment about the team not being in rebuild mode.
But the Stars have all-world players in Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. They have John Klingberg, who in a down year still managed to finish in the top-10 of defensemen scoring. They saw tremendous potential from first-year players like Esa Lindell, Devin Shore, and Julius Honka. There is no doubt that Dallas has some holes and questions. They also have some huge, hard-to-find pieces in place. Nill was quick to remind people of that after a year that threatens to shatter perspective.
There’s more at the link. [Stars]
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If you missed a few exit day interviews, check out all the updates in one place. [Stars]
Julius Honka is a World Championship hopeful.
Julius Honka is joining the Finnish National team today. Is attending a camp in hopes of making final roster for 2017 World Championship.
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) April 11, 2017
What do teams that didn’t make the playoffs need to focus on? Jared Clinton says that, for the Stars, it’s goaltending. [The Hockey News]
The coaching debate continues.
Wrong Side of the Red Line Podcast: Hitchcock, Gallant, or Therrien? https://t.co/76F5KKocCW pic.twitter.com/uTSXU6YU4d
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) April 12, 2017
The Draft Lottery will officially be held on April 29th. The Stars’ odds at picking first are at 5.8% (and the lottery simulator is here!). [NHL]
The Texas Stars have recalled goalie Philippe Desrosiers.
The #txstars have recalled Phil Desrosiers from the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals. pic.twitter.com/iudgWxB0k3
— #TXStars (@TexasStars) April 11, 2017
If you need to hitch your wagon to a team, Sean McIndoe can tell you who to root (and not root) for. [Sportsnet]
From Evgeni Malkin’s health to the Ducks’ defense, 16 playoff storylines to keep an eye on. [NHL]
Mike Babcock believes in his team despite their youth. [TSN]
Jordie Benn breaks down the art of playoff beards.
Playoff beards with Jordie Benn: Lesson 01 https://t.co/XRCVrflLEx via @NHL
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) April 11, 2017
Make your predictions now on who’s going to take home the 2017 NHL Awards. [Sportsnet]
Surprise, surprise, it’s pretty pricey to see a playoff game in Canada. [CBC]
A look at what the USWNT accomplished by winning the world championship. [Puck Daddy]
And finally, Razor walks us through the 2016-17 season. (The second half is here.)
I collected a 1 second snippet every day of the season from 1st day of camp to finale.
Here’s the result:
(1 of 2) pic.twitter.com/98n4GujJ8w— Daryl Reaugh (@Razor5Hole) April 11, 2017