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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Hat Trick From Patrick Eaves Pushes Stars Past Blackhawks

Posted on by Melissa Flandreau

Although the Blackhawks threatened in the third period, a four-goal effort in the first frame was enough for the Stars to pull off a 4-2 win. The victory—the team’s fourth straight on the road—brings them within one point of Chicago for the Central Division lead with three games in hand. Mike Heika has more on the win, the growing Chicago/Dallas rivalry, and Patrick Eaves‘ eventful night.

Eaves became just the second player in Stars franchise history to tally a hat trick in the first period _ Bill Goldsworthy did it for the Minnesota North Stars against Los Angeles in 1973 _ and stunned a sold out United Center. Dallas clearly wanted to make a statement after the loss in Dallas, and the Stars also wanted to support their teammates who were returning to play.

Tyler Seguin also commented on what the game meant.

“Any time you play the best team in the division, you’re going to get up for it,” said Seguin. “You want to stay consistent all year, but this was one of those games that was special and important. We want to be leading our division.”

The night was also notable as Patrick Sharp and Johnny Oduya returned to the United Center for the first time since arriving in Dallas.

Both players were treated to video tributes.

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

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The photo ops continued on the Stars’ Dads Trip.

Both Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin made the cut for Team Canada in Pierre LeBrun’s latest World Cup of Hockey roster projections. [ESPN]

Craig Button released his list of the top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects, and a few Stars make the cut. Julius Honka ranks first among them at No. 26. [TSN]

Last night was a big night for Patrick Sharp for a reason other than returning to Chicago.

Over at The Hockey Writers, Matt Pryor gives you 11 reasons to keep the faith for the Stars. Like Mulder, #IWantToBelieve [The Hockey Writers]

Teams seeking help on the blue line could consider Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle or the Canucks‘ Dan Hamhuis (who is mentioned once again mentioned in connection with the Stars). [The Hockey News]

ESPN’s Craig Custance breaks down which Central teams will be buyers and which will be sellers at the trade deadline. He also wonders what to make of Mike Heika’s brief mention in his latest chat that a Valeri Nichushkin trade could be on the table. [ESPN]

Forget about adding a defenseman at the trade deadline—why not turn the Stars’ two-goalie tandem into a three-headed monster? [The Comeback]

Can’t get enough Chicago, you say? Well, then…

Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri has been fined $5,000 after making a throat-slashing gesture toward Flames defenseman Mark Giordano on Tuesday. [Toronto Star]

Bruins prospect Malcolm Subban will miss at least eight weeks while he recovers from a fractured larynx. [TSN]

Should the Hurricanes trade or re-sign UFAs Cam Ward and Eric Staal? [Puck Daddy]

There were hat tricks to spare last night. Jordan Eberle scored three, and Alex Ovechkin logged a hat trick against the Wild (who’ve lost 12 of their last 13 games now).

Along with Minny’s 4-3 loss to Ovi and the Caps, we had a few other things happening in the #MDK.

  • Boosted by a three-goal third period, the Bruins beat the Jets 6-2. [NHL]
  • The Avalanche continued their climb up the standings with a 4-3 win over the Senators. [Denver Post]

After being injured overseas in Afghanistan, Ralph DeQuebec found “something [he] wanted to wake up for” in sled hockey. [Sports Illustrated]

Connor McDavid had a five-point night (2G, 3A) against the Maple Leafs last night—fun fact, he used to have a McDavid Leafs jersey growing up.

The Blue Jackets signed defenseman Ryan Murray to a two-year, $5.65 million extension. [Blue Jackets]

Said Steven Stamkos of his on-going contract situation: “There’s no use in me speculating and saying things that someone can twist.” So, naturally, everyone’s still debating whether or not the center wants to stay with the Lightning. [NHL]

And finally, here’s a very excited Patrick Eaves. Happy Friday, everyone!

Talking Points