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Dallas Stars Daily Links: The Stars Respond To The Coronavirus

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

Large public events are being canceled worldwide due to the coronavirus – even the South By Southwest festival in Austin. The Dallas Stars are following new procedures to help stop its spread – and since a Frisco man has tested positive for COVID-19, those procedures take on new importance.

Fan interactions such as the Stick Kid ceremony are canceled for now. Media scrums are now being conducted outside the locker room. GM Jim Nill talked to Sean Shapiro about the league’s response to the public health crisis:

“We’re like everyone else, but we are dealing with something where we’ve got 35 guys in one area,” Nill said. “We are just doing the standard procedures we can do. We’ve got to respect what this virus has caused, and we’re just doing whatever we can to minimize the chances of it affecting somebody.”

The locker room is now closed to media members, and interviews for the Stars are now being conducted in a separate room, with media members stationed roughly eight feet away from the player or coach.

That said, hockey players are still human beings with human needs. Nill just wants them to be careful everywhere:

“We’ve told them to be smart, but they’ve still got to be smart,” Nill said. “They’ve got to go to the grocery stores and get groceries, they’ve got to fill up their car with gas. They are the same as us. Just imagine when you are out (with your family) you are making conscious decisions, and that’s what we are asking them to do.”

There’s more behind the paywall, including a closer look at a big week for goalie prospect Jake Oettinger. [The Athletic DFW]

Stars Stuff

Rick Bowness says that the Stars can get their goals on if they stick to the plan.

Speaking of goals, here’s the wholesome Denis Gurianov content you really want right now.

The Stars have also made a new signing – Michigan State defenseman Jared Rosburg.

Around The League(s)

#Death Notes

  • Cody Eakin netted the game-winner as the Winnipeg Jets picked up the win, and the Western Conference wild-card lead, against the Arizona Coyotes. [NHL]
  • Aleksi Surreal collected his first two NHL assists and the Florida Panthers kept playoffs hope alive as they shocked the St. Louis Blues, 2-1. [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
  • And the Colorado Avalanche lost both Nathan MacKinnon and a chance to take the Central Division lead with a 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. [Denver Post]/

Here’s more about how the major sports leagues are dealing with the coronavirus.

So how soon until they have to decide if the playoffs will be postponed?

After Morgan Geekie’s big night, every fan wants to know who had their best debut.

Take a moment to savor a bit of NHL history being made in real time.

Finally

Go ahead. You know you want to.

Talking Points