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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Denis Gurianov Is Becoming A Full-Time NHL Player

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

Want to start game day with a positive Dallas Stars story? Let’s talk about Denis Gurianov.

Sean Shapiro met the Stars’ newest Russian sensation when they were both down in Cedar Park and shooting for the big leagues. Shapiro saw first-hand how hard Gurianov worked to learn English – even pausing during interviews to look up the word he wanted on an app:

Being able to communicate was important, but the message speaking English sent was also important to Gurianov. It conveyed his commitment to staying on the North American career path and his dedication to eventually becoming an NHL player. Plus, it was also a good way to fill the hours as a teenager living in Austin, Texas.

“That was good for me, really good,” Gurianov said. “Once I got comfortable with English, I felt more comfortable with the team.”

Of course, the knock on Gurianov has been that he has trouble putting a streak together – which makes his performance in the Stars’ shutout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins worth noting:

Gurianov didn’t score the next game, but he was the Stars’ best forward in a 3-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh didn’t have a strong answer for Gurianov’s speed on the rush, and over the past three games, Gurianov has actually been the model of consistency as opposed to the one searching for it.

“He’s got it now,” said an NHL scout who’s watched Gurianov in the AHL and NHL over the past couple seasons. “I always really liked his game, but I know there were questions of whether he would really click or not. He’s clicked. He’s in.”

There’s more behind the paywall, including an uncomfortable examination of the Stars’ power(less) play and a visit to the Idaho Steelheads, who are once again providing a bright spot in the Stars’ firmament. [The Athletic DFW]

Stars Stuff

The Stars switched up their practice routine, with what appear to be positive results.

Meanwhile, Bob Sturm has gone full negative.

He brought a chart, too.

Reinforcements on the way? Nick Caamano is back in town.

Around The League(s)

It was a quiet night for the #MurderDeathKill Division, so let’s get to the other headlines:

Vladimir Tarasenko needs surgery on the shoulder he dislocated during the St. Louis Blues’ Stanley Cup run.

Meanwhile, Brendan Perlini is on his way to the Atlantic Division.

Meanwhile, Adam Lowry is in hot water for a cold move during the Winnipeg Jets’ Heritage Classic victory.

How good has David Pastrnak been this month, and can the Boston Bruins forward keep it going? Let’s take a look.

Just Alex Ovechkin being Alex Ovechkin. Surely there’s a lesson in there, somewhere.

Because you need to know what the MSG Network’s most popular substitute hockey reporter is up to now:

Finally

Let this literal blast from the past, courtesy of Pantera, put you in a good mood for the rest of the day. Enjoy.

Talking Points