It’s no secret that goaltending was one of the biggest question marks — and one of the biggest dollar signs — for the Dallas Stars heading into 2015-16. And while the sample size for this season is small, both Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi have felt good about operating as a duo so far.
Kari Lehtonen stopped for a second when he was asked if he thought this new goalie-sharing program the Stars are using could possibly cause some herky-jerky momentum for him and net partner Antti Niemi.
“I did three weeks ago,” Lehtonen said. “But right now, I don’t.”
And while Lehtonen and Niemi won’t see as many starts as they’re used to, the goalies are using their new-found extra time to their advantage.
The Stars have been working the non-starter hard. On practice days, he typically stays 30-40 minutes extra on the ice after the expected starter leaves. Each is trying to perfect details with new goaltending coach Jeff Reese, and the results so far have been good.
“Being over 30, you need more rest or more time to work,” Niemi said. “I think both of us, we want to get better than we have been. And if playing less or practicing more can do that, then we want that.”
For more on the team’s goalies, head over to the link. [SportsDayDFW]
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The Stars play at Pittsburgh tonight at 6 p.m., and hopefully the Pens are all tuckered out from what I imagine was a very strenuous Wednesday spent shooting their pet calendar.
If nothing else, Jamie Benn seems to have enjoyed seeing the team’s furry visitors.
A bunch of puppies are outside the room for today’s pet calendar shoot and the Stars players were loving it. Jamie Benn was -MC
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) October 21, 2015
To prepare for tonight’s tilt, check out Mark Stepneski’s game preview. Mike Heika also said that Kari Lehtonen worked late on Wednesday, which means Antti Niemi is your likely starter.
Heika also offered an update on Travis Moen.
Travis Moen (upper body) is going to go on IR. Stars don’t plan to call anyone up, but this will give more flexibility when they get home
— Mike Heika (@MikeHeika) October 21, 2015
Sticktap to robtoles for posting this in the comments of yesterday’s links, but ICYMI, Jim Nill chatted with TSN about the Stars’ start, the wealth of defensemen who are almost ready to make the jump to the NHL, and much more. [TSN]
As far as new goalie coach Jeff Reese is concerned, it’s been so far, so good in Dallas. [DMN]
Razor shares his take on the Philadelphia crew doing the NBCSN broadcast on Tuesday, then explores how the situation could be avoided in the future. [Razor with an Edge]
I dare you to find this not cute.
Think we got a new number 1 fan!! https://t.co/5XNEo2TSZO
— Tyler Seguin (@tseguinofficial) October 21, 2015
The Blue Jackets‘ decision to hire John Tortorella means the Canucks will receive a second-round pick from ‘Lumbus some time in the next three years. Here’s why the league’s compensation system needs to change. [TSN]
The folks at The Cannon penned a farewell note to Todd Richards. [The Cannon]
As Steve Ott put it, the Canadiens‘ “defensive system is Carey Price.” But how does Price compare to guys like Dominik Hasek or Patrick Roy? [Sportsnet]
From trash-talking players to relying on other officials, longtime NHL ref Scott Driscoll shares his thoughts on the job. (Fun fact: Driscoll was preparing for the Stars/Panther game at the time of the interview.) [Pacific Standard]
The Calgary Flames placed goaltender Karri Ramo on waivers yesterday. [Flames]
In Central Division news, the Blues placed Paul Stastny on IR with a broken foot—he’s expected to miss at least five weeks. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
And finally, over at Grantland, relive the best of the best when it comes to goalies enacting their revenge—featuring a young Lindy Ruff as a victim.