For Devin Shore, the 2015-16 season started off without a hitch. After picking up 11 points in October, the forward made his NHL debut in November before putting together a 10-game point streak back in the AHL. And then, this happened. A hit from Charlotte Checkers defenseman Ryan Murphy injured Shore’s right shoulder and ended his season. Since then, Sean Shapiro writes, Shore has been focused on coming back better than ever.
In addition it gave him an opportunity to watch more hockey and “learn from above,” while he looked at the example Radek Faksa set last season — who suffered a similar shoulder injury — as a model for recovery and proof he could come back even stronger.
Although Shore’s rehab is still an on-going process, he’s optimistic about his progress.
He’s not cleared to shoot a puck yet, hopefully by June 1, but simply being on the ice has further invigorated his rehab process and mental health.
“I’ve never gone so long without skating,” he said. “Just your blades gripping into the ice, finally feeling the wind on your face. I know this sounds cheesy, but just being alone on the ice by myself felt amazing.”
There’s more on Shore’s recovery at the link. [Wrong Side of the Red Line]
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Mike Heika took to Twitter to answer a few questions from Stars fans.
They would probably lean toward top six forward at 25. They have Gurianov, Hintz, but could use more depth in system https://t.co/8xkPfM9pmd
— Mike Heika (@MikeHeika) May 15, 2016
He also chimed in on what the Stars might do about the blue line.
I’ll write a column for tomorrow. Lindell (6-3, 215), Johns (6-4, 225), Nemeth (6-3, 220) should be regulars IMO. https://t.co/Ofn5K5cfLh
— Mike Heika (@MikeHeika) May 15, 2016
The Blues got the better of the Sharks with a 2-1 win in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. [Fear the Fin]
There were, of course, plenty of shenanigans to go around.
Despite a loss in Game 1, the Penguins are sticking with Matt Murray.
Sullivan: Matt Murray will start Game 2. #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) May 15, 2016
And Murray’s not the only young goalie in the spotlight right now. With Ben Bishop listed as day-to-day, the Lightning could be turning to Andrei Vasilevskiy. [ESPN]
Tampa Bay got some good news yesterday in the form of Steven Stamkos wearing a regular practice jersey. [NHL]
The Predators didn’t have any better luck in Game 7 than the Stars, but there are plenty of other reasons to be optimistic about the Music City squad. [Sports Illustrated]
In World Championship news, Germany beat the U.S. with just a little time left in regulation.
This puck has eyes. Watch as Korbinian Holzer puts the game-winning shot into the back of the net for @DEB_eV! pic.twitter.com/qObfZt1opV
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 15, 2016
The level of parity in the NHL is never more clear than during the playoffs. [NYT]
After a disappointing season for the Canadiens, captain Max Pacioretty is ready to right the ship in Montreal. [NHL]
Everything’s going according to plan for the Maple Leafs and their rebuild. [The Hockey News]
Speaking of the Leafs, top Toronto prospect Mitch Marner is ready for the spotlight. [Sportsnet]
And finally, don’t look now, but John Klingberg has embraced his inner Texan.
Thank y’all Stars family for a great season. Hard to not be disappointed with how it ended but it’s been a great ride and I learned a lot.
— John Klingberg (@johnklingberg) May 16, 2016