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Dallas Stars Daily Links: 2020 Winter Classic Is Coming Into Focus

It’s finally becoming real, writes Mike Heika. Plus, the Western Conference wild-card race, Texas Stars prospect watching, and more.

Yesterday’s Winter Classic press conference was more than a chance to do a photo op in the Art Deco majesty of Fair Park. It was the Dallas Stars’ first real chance to imagine what their Cotton Bowl showcase can become, writes Mike Heika.

The game will be history-making by design, Heika reports:

The fact that the 12th NHL Winter Classic will be held in a southern venue with two teams who have never before played an outdoor game -- Dallas and Nashville -- is one of the reasons the game is happening.

”Every Winter Classic is different,” [NHL Commissioner Gary] Bettman said. “We’ve tried to specialize in iconic venues, and this stadium certainly qualifies. There’s a nice element of bringing the game back to the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day because of its extraordinary history.”

And concerning the inevitable questions about whether Dallas is too hot for outdoor hockey, Bettman said this:

While unpredictable weather is always a concern in Dallas, Bettman said that bridge was crossed a while back. The NHL played outdoors in Los Angeles in 2014 with the temperature at 62 degrees, and then topped that in Denver in 2016 at 65 degrees.

”Our ice makers are incredible at what they do,” Bettman said. “We’ve learned a lot over the last 26 or so outdoor games that we’ve put on, and if we didn’t think we can have a successful game here, we wouldn’t have announced what we have.”

There’s more at Mike’s place. [Dallas Stars]

Stars Stuff

The Stars take on the Colorado Avalanche tonight in the AAC. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m., and it’s another crucial opportunity for the Stars to gain ground in the playoffs race.

If you’re reading this, you may be just in time to catch Sean Shapiro’s live Stars Q&A today. It runs from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Central time. [The Athletic DFW]

In case you missed yesterday’s Winter Classic press conference, there’s a website. There’s always a website.

Sean Shapiro and Owen Newkirk

Around The League(s)

It was a quiet night in the #MDK , but the Winnipeg Jets did record a 3-0 shutout against the Anaheim Ducks. [Arctic Ice Hockey]

Elsewhere in the Western Conference, the Vancouver Canucks hung on to their wild-card chances with a 7-4 win over the Ottawa Senators. [Nucks Misconduct]

Stanley Cup brackets, anyone?

Jason Spezza, future GM? Speznasty is the highest-ranking Star in his category in the annual NHLPA Player Poll.

Think your team is lousy at drafting? Scott Wheeler has done the sums, and some of them may surprise you.

New York Rangers assistant GM Chris Drury has taken on new responsibilities: as GM of Team USA, men’s division.

Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park

The Texas Stars came on strong during a 6-3 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins – but Colton Hargrove was the undisputed highlight.

Last night’s lineup included all four new ELC signings.

So when will Denis Gurianov come to Dallas for good? Watch this space, or any of the other usual spaces.

Finally

One more note. Enjoy.

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