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Dallas Stars Daily Links: John Klingberg Confident He Can Handle Added Pressure, Physical Play

John Klingberg is used to having a target on his back. Plus, Tyler Seguin talks fashion and his recent hat launch, and the teams most likely to make a push for the Cup.

John Klingberg isn't flying under the radar this season, and that's meant he's taken his fair share of bumps, bruises, and added attention from opponents. Mike Heika wrote about those challenges, and the way that Klingberg has dealt with them despite being 6-foot-2, 180ish. As it turns out, it's nothing new for the defenseman.

He said he understands people are concerned about his well-being, but he added that he has dealt with this for years.

"They did the same thing in Sweden, they came after me, they hit me," he said. "It's smaller ice here, and they're bigger, but I've been able to handle it."

And while Klingberg may be able to deal with it his own way, Jamie Benn talked about the rest of the Stars stepping up and answering the bell with a few hits of their own.

"I think we answer with a little physicality ourselves," Benn said. "Teams are smart, they know Klinger's a top-notch player and if they can get him off his game, it's only going to help them. We should be doing that to their guys, too."

Klingberg is one of the more cerebral and self-aware players on the Stars, so he said he has mulled his conundrum on countless occasions.

"I know what they are trying to do, and I can see them when they are coming at me, so I'm making decisions to help our team," Klingberg said. "I understand that people worry, but I don't think they should. I can handle it."

For more, hit up Heika's domain. [SportsDayDFW]

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The wait is finally over: Stars hockey is back! And just in time, too, as the Blackhawks are now tied for first in the Central (boo). The puck drops tonight in Anaheim at 9 p.m—you can stay up for the whole game. I believe in you. [Stars Inside Edge]

Tyler Seguin talks about his interest in fashion, his personal style, and his recent hat launch. [SportsDayDFW]

Adam Gretz ranks the Stars among the top-5 Cup contenders at the season's midway point, although he questions the team's ability to make it through tough Western Conference competition and onto the Final. [CBS Sports]

Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland chatted with Sean Shapiro about his love for both the Stars and the Blue Jackets. [Wrong Side of the Red Line]

The mid-season awards continue to roll in, and Lindy Ruff and "TyJam BenGuin" get some recognition for the Jack Adams and the Hart. [Puck Daddy]

As the number of agents has increased, the age of their target players has decreased. [Sportsnet]

Shea Weber and Roman Josi had a little fun with Predators fans.

The #MurderDeathKill Division felt a little extra MDK-y last night.

  • The Blackhawks won their ninth straight with a narrow 2-1 victory over the Canadiens. That means they're now tied with the Stars for first place in the Central, although Dallas has two games in hand. [Chicago Sun-Times]
  • The Hurricanes extended their winning streak to four, beating the Blues 4-1 and making St. Louis the only #MDK team that played last night not to get at least one point. Thanks, Carolina! [The News & Observer]
  • The Jets fought their way past the Predators with a 5-4 overtime (naturally) victory. [The Tennessean]
  • The Avalanche shut out the Devils 3-0 in Calvin Pickard's second start of the season. The win pushed Colorado into a playoff spot. [NHL]

Okay, okay, we get it. The Capitals are really good. [Sportsnet]

So what's the secret to the Caps' success? Maybe it's all those crosswords they've been doing. (Side thought: Who do you have as the best crossword-er on the Stars?) [Washington Post]

The Predators announced the lead entertainment, which will include Vince Gill and Lennon & Maisy, for the NHL All-Star Game. [NHL]

The inconsistency of the Department of Player Safety's discipline is cause for concern, says Al Muir. [Sports Illustrated]

The Hurricanes' young D-core—including Ryan Murphy, Justin Faulk, and Noah Hanifin—is the main reason you should be keeping an eye on Carolina. [TSN]

Other 500 goal scorers welcome Alex Ovechkin into their midst.

At the University of Minnesota, the No-Longer-So Golden Gophers are struggling, and alumni are unhappy, with former player Kevin Hartzell calling the program "a glorified high school team." Ouch. [City Pages]

For North American players, the benefits of playing in the AHL are immeasurable. [ESPN]

And finally, get ready for the Great (Grand-)One.