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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Jiri Hudler Is a Star in His First Game in Victory Green

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

The Dallas Stars’ newest player grabbed the spotlight with his first game in Victory Green. Veteran forward Jiri Hudler worked right out of the box – getting an assist, scoring the game-winning goal and earning first Star of the Game as the Stars got a measure of not-for-realsies preseason revenge on the St. Louis Blues, 3-1, in American Airlines Center.

For goaltending, it was so far, so good. Kari Lehtonen got the first win of 2016-17 and the second Star of the Game, stopping nine of 10 shots. Maxime Lagace shone after the goalie switch, making saves on all 14 shots he faced in his first NHL preseason game:

“I was super nervous,” Lagace said. “My legs were like spaghettis in there, but after five minutes it went away, and I felt good.”

The Stars did Stars things, outshooting the competition 31-24 – but they also showed some defensive responsibility, keeping the Blues to 13 shots on goal through the first two periods:

“I thought we skated well, played our game well. The transition game was good,” Ruff said. “I thought we left a lot of plays out there and had some misfortune on some of the opportunities, but I really liked the way we played.”

Mark Stepneski has much more. [Stars Inside Edge]

There may not have been a broadcast, but at least there are highlights, and STARS HOCKEY IS BACK.

Patrik Nemeth discussed how the team can weather the current spate of injuries.

And Mike Heika says what Hudler did in last night’s game is just the sort of thing the Stars will want all season. [SportsDayDFW]

“In the locker room, I don’t feel like I’ve been around for a week, I feel like I’ve been around for a couple years,” Hudler said. “I’ve been in the league long enough, but you are still a little nervous about how it is going to be and if you are going to click with the boys in the room. This is more than I expected. Everybody is really nice, and this is a fun group. The class coming out of the room is unreal. I like that.”

Game 1 of the World Cup of Hockey’s best-of-three final begins tonight at 7 p.m. Central time:

  • Team Canada’s script was written months ago – but, as Joe Thornton points out, “You still gotta play.” [WCH2016]
  • And nobody told Team Europe they were supposed to have gotten bounced by now. [theScore]
  • Meanwhile, Matt Larkin has some ideas about how to improve the World Cup format in future tournaments. [The Hockey News]/

On the heels of a shockingly good WCH performance to date, Brad Marchand has cashed a big check with the Boston Bruins.

Meanwhile, Matt Murray’s broken hand may have thrown a wrench into the Penguins’ expansion-draft strategy. [Today’s Slapshot]

As the Team USA postmortem continues, Adam Gretz examines how the organization can use its World Cup embarrassment as a turning point.

Dustin Byfuglien discussed his mystifying usage (and non-usage) during a World Cup experience he “simply didn’t enjoy.” [NHL on NBC]

Don’t expect the Winnipeg Jets to rush a Jacob Trouba trade. [USA Today]

The Clarke MacArthur injury sparked a jaw-dropping internecine brawl during the Sens Fan Fest, but it’s deeply worrisome for a player who missed all but four games last year due to post-concussion symptoms.

The Lightning will welcome former captain Vincent Lecavalier back to Tampa Bay during the Florida Panthers game Oct. 18. [FOX Sports Florida]

And the New York Riveters Easter-egged a bonus announcement regarding Amanda Kessel in an Instagram reveal of their new jersey.

REVEALED: New York Riveters 2016-2017 Season jerseys

A video posted by New York Riveters (@nyriveters) on

The Edmonton Oilers just introduced their first mascot, and wow. Just…well, let me show you this.

The photomemes practically write themselves.

Leave it to Roberto Luongo to keep it real.

All that said, this may be the bit of gratuitous stupidity people end up remembering.

Finally: This is why we have play-testing. An awesome glitch in NHL 17 has created this funny comedy sieve for your Worst Team Ever. Enjoy.

Talking Points