Dallas Stars Daily Links: Looking Back To Look Ahead
Jeff Odom reviews this season’s superlatives for a moment when the NHL gets back to action. Plus, the league reports its first confirmed COVID-19 case, esports take the mic, and more.
When the NHL returns to action, there should be plenty of reasons for Dallas Stars fans to celebrate.
Stars staff writer Jeff Odom has collected some high points of the season to date – and reminds us all that we could have quite a bit to look forward to when play resumes:
Though currently outside the race for the Central Division crown — 12 points behind first-place St. Louis and 10 points back of Colorado for second — Dallas has kept a fairly tight grip on third despite a pack of wild-card contenders nipping at its heels during a bumpy start to the month of March. As of the season’s temporary stoppage on March 12, if the playoffs started today, the Stars would face Colorado — a team they swept in four meetings during the regular season — in the first round.
And the advent of winger Denis Gurianov promises to be a gift that keeps on giving:
The rookie speedster has been everything and more for Dallas since establishing himself in the lineup as a regular contributor following a short stint with the team’s AHL affiliate in October. Just how good has Gurianov been? The former first-round pick leads Dallas with 20 goals through 64 games — the most of any first-year player in franchise history since future captain Jamie Benn netted 22 in 2009-10 — ranks eighth in points with 29 and has proven himself as a threat to score any time he touches the puck.
Jeff has more. [Dallas Stars]
Stars Stuff
If and when the 2019-20 season resumes, it will be a clean sheet in at least one way.
The ice at the AAC is being melted down this week. Money-saving move to not keep it frozen and unused. When/if season come backs new ice will be made.
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) March 17, 2020
The Dallas Stars Foundation misses you, too.
— Dallas Stars Foundation (@DS_Foundation) March 17, 2020
At least we have Jason Dickinson providing us with wholesome content like this.
.@jdickinson_11 (and his doggo) checking in on all of our #GoStars fans out there! pic.twitter.com/e8GfsgdSWA
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 17, 2020
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is paying hourly American Airlines Center employees who can’t work right now. He’s also trying to lessen the impact for local businesses.
Mark Cuban will reimburse his employees who shop local for their lunch, coffee https://t.co/BCRG342Cnq
— FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) March 14, 2020
Somewhere, in an alternate universe, the Stars are having a fantastic run right now.
Jamie Benn's late game-winning goal handed the Stars their fourth-consecutive victory.
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) March 18, 2020
Catch up with all the latest in our Simulating the Season series now.@THNJaredClinton and @StevenEllisTHN with more:https://t.co/9eui01VpNp
Around The League(s)
An unidentified Ottawa Senators player has become the NHL’s first confirmed COVID-19 case.
The unnamed player is in isolation and showing mild symptoms of the virus https://t.co/J9vQJQhy27
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) March 18, 2020
In the midst of the shutdown, esports leagues everywhere are poised for what may be their biggest moment.
Depressingly joyful headlinehttps://t.co/HECSGUJ8rR
— Evan Kubes (@evankubes) March 16, 2020
The IIHF World Championships hasn’t been canceled, yet – but they’re still feeling the impact of the coronavirus.
The men's World Championship remains on the IIHF calendar for now, but two major competitions were cancelled Tuesdayhttps://t.co/jvGePYLXng
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) March 17, 2020
And the AHL is confirming there will be no action before May.
Update from @TheAHL regarding 2019-20 season: pic.twitter.com/noYAnHyWYv
— AHL Communications (@AHLPR) March 16, 2020
We all have questions. The league has answers.
ICYMI: Frequently Asked Questions as @NHL pauses 2019-20 season. https://t.co/dGUkF2SLKv
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 16, 2020
Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park
The Texas Stars are still managing to keep it fun on social media.
It's St. Patty's Day. We hope you wore your green. Not that it matters. We can't pinch you while social distancing. pic.twitter.com/e302jfRmOG
— Texas Stars (@TexasStars) March 17, 2020
Finally
Does Jeff speak for you? Enjoy.
me checking the espn app for the fifth time today, only to realize again there’s no sports pic.twitter.com/tsDSizWCiD
— Jeff Odom (@jeffodom) March 14, 2020