Dallas Stars Daily Links: How the Stars Plan to Put the Defending in Big D in 2016-17
Take a look at what Lindy Ruff is working on this summer. Plus, it's never too early to talk about next season's NHL power rankings, or the next NHL Draft.
We've been talking for months about how the Dallas Stars will remake their blueline into (hopefully) the best version of itself in the 2016-17 season. Generally, we discuss this as if it's as easy as plugging in our favorite prospects and players and letting them run.
Head coach Lindy Ruff is faced with the task of making this retooling work, and he discussed the work ahead with Mike Heika of The Dallas Morning News:
Ruff said the balance of getting the right mix on defense was always a challenge, but that he liked the pairing of [Alex] Goligoski and [John] Klingberg. They were able to keep the puck out of their own end, and while Ruff received criticism for having a lighter pairing (Goligoski is 5-11, 185 and Klingberg 6-2, 180) on the ice at the end of games sometimes, the Stars did not allow an empty net goal in the final two minutes of a game.
Conversely, they led the NHL in empty net goals scored with 24, because they had skilled defensemen who could help get the puck out to the forwards. So there's always a give and take.
"I get the impression that people want the biggest, fastest, most experienced players out there every minute, and things just don't work that way," Nill said. "No team is perfect, so you work hard and do your best."
Meanwhile, GM Jim Nill says he has enough faith in his players and coaches to let nature take its course:
"Lindy has a history of working with some of the best defensemen in the world at the Olympics, so he knows what he's doing," said Stars general manager Jim Nill. "We're in transition and this is a process, but I have full trust in our players and our coaches, and I think we'll be better moving forward."There's much more at Heika's place. Clear your cookies! [SportsDayDFW]
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If you're up before 11 a.m., you're in time to catch today's edition of Stars Sunday on The Ticket.
Yes, indeed. New #StarsSunday tomorrow at 11 a.m. CT on @dfwticket, featuring the return of @BruceLeVinePuck. https://t.co/LU2adc8POR
— Owen Newkirk (@OwenNewkirk) July 23, 2016
Ready for Frozen Fury 2016? The Stars play the Los Angeles Kings in VEGAS BABY, and single-game tickets are on sale now.
Single game tickets for #Stars vs. Kings on October 7 in Las Vegas are now on sale!
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) July 23, 2016
https://t.co/Py5uHUAsuG pic.twitter.com/9mOpwqeBo7
Mike Modano was in second place Friday at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. He must have picked up some pro advice.
Stars great Mike Modano in second place at celebrity pro-am golf tourney featuring Steph… https://t.co/tXWwZxkvFd pic.twitter.com/H45TOCiFmU
— Dallas Stars news (@dmn_stars) July 23, 2016
Power rankings, already? NHL Tonight picks their top five offseason teams.
And it's already time to starting talking about the 2017 NHL Draft, too.
Full 2017 #NHLDraft futures list, courtesy of @NHLCentralScout. https://t.co/sZiNn4Mj86 pic.twitter.com/wtKpANEP0E
— NHL (@NHL) July 23, 2016
The New York Rangers spent a busy Friday avoiding arbitration with their two biggest RFAS. Forward Chris Kreider signed for four years and $18.5 million; hours later, center Kevin Hayes struck a deal for two years and $5.2 million. [USA Today]
Meanwhile, Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane has been arrested on one charge of misdemeanor trespass stemming from a June 24 incident in a Buffalo bar, for which he may also face up to four counts of non-criminal harassment. [Puck Daddy]
NHL teams are still shelling out too much money for depth players, writes Mike Murphy.
#NHL free agency produced even more overpaid bottom-six forwards this summer.https://t.co/rZA7WRdl5c
— Today's Slapshot (@TodaysSlapshot) July 22, 2016
Trevor Daley got his day with the Stanley Cup yesterday, and, well...see for yourself.
#stanleycup champion @penguins Trevor Daley surprises a group of players at his local rink. @NHL @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/UFq9Bw1IrS
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) July 23, 2016
Trevor Daley brings the #stanleycup back to his old playground. @penguins @NHL @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/TH969QYNRX
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) July 23, 2016
@penguins #stanleycup champion Trevor Daley poses with someone who may follow in his footsteps @NHL @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/PnGPmEwcd1
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) July 23, 2016
The NHL Players' Association has posted a full recap of Smashfest V, in which Patrick Eaves repeated as champion. [NHLPA]
.@Rous_ant and his teammate killing it in the Pro-Am #SmashfestV pic.twitter.com/t3w8aA2Oy1
— Smashfest (@_Smashfest) July 22, 2016
By the way, the greatest beard in hockey has a brand-new Twitter account @Patrick_Eaves. Give him a follow.
Thanks to @_Smashfest, @mooredom @Killerspin for another great night! I am still tired from @aburr14 pushing me to the brink. Well played
— RealPatrickEaves (@Patrick_Eaves) July 22, 2016
It looks as if Las Vegas GM George McPhee is looking for personnel with his former franchise, the Washington Capitals, to fill out the new front office.
Report: Las Vegas NHL team asked permission to speak with Capitals assistant GM https://t.co/NjjQv8XPwe
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) July 23, 2016
Texas Stars beat writer Sean Shapiro answers questions from the mail bag on topics ranging from prospects to the Pacific Division. [Wrong Side of the Red Line]
AHL center Austin Fyten, who played 11 games for the Texas Stars during the 2012-13 season, has re-signed with the team, according to his agent. [100 Degree Hockey]
Finally: T-Stars defenseman Ludwig Byström celebrated his 22nd birthday on Wednesday. Check out the congratulatory sparkle reel, and enjoy.
Happy Birthday to Ludwig Bystrom! Check out these highlights! #txstars pic.twitter.com/XlmwQWXAk3
— Texas Stars Hockey (@TexasStars) July 20, 2016