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Dallas Stars Daily Links: The Miro Heiskanen Midseason Reality Check

The reality is that he should be in the Norris Trophy conversation, says Rick Bowness. Plus, the Great 8 passes the Finnish Flash, the Kassian-Tkachuk fallout, and more.

Miro Heiskanen is making more mistakes this season. He’s also helping the Dallas Stars win more games. It’s only a puzzle if you haven’t been watching (Calder Trophy voters, looking at you).

In his sophomore season, with more TOI and more teams doing their best to neutralize him, Heiskanen has adapted and thrived, reports Stars senior staff writer Mike Heika:

“The more he plays, the more confidence he gets, the more experience he gains,” said Stars interim coach Rick Bowness. “He has such natural instincts for the game. He’s a treat to watch play, he’s a treat to coach. Two things about this kid: He knows how good he is, and he’s very, very humble. If the game is on the line, he wants to be on the ice. He wants the pressure, because he knows how good he is without talking about it.’

“He’s a special player, special person.”

For Miro himself...is normal:

Heiskanen is soft-spoken when asked if much has changed. He said he simply plays his game and takes it one shift at a time. While language could be a barrier in explaining for the native of Espoo, Finland, it also could be that he simply doesn’t overanalyze his job.

“I think I just felt very good tonight,” he said of the heavy minutes Saturday. “I was just moving my legs and tried to make defense play. I still need to find a way to get a little better still.”

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

Stars Stuff

The Stars should have both of their world-beating defensemen on the ice tonight against the Colorado Avalanche.

It’s an away game, so you know the drill....

Around The League(s)

#Murder Was The Case

  • The St. Louis Blues matched a franchise record of nine consecutive home wins with a 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. [St. Louis Game Time]/

Alex Ovechkin continued his climb toward the NHL’s all-time top 10 during the Washington Capitals’ 2-0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Whatever you think about the Zack Kassian - Matthew Tkachuk incident, here’s why DoPS gave Kassian a two-game suspension.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost Morgan Reilly for at least eight weeks.

The 2020 NHL Draft will be here before you know it. Check NHL Central Scouting’s latest international rankings.

Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park

Tomorrow’s Texas Stars - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins game is a big milestone for both clubs.

Finally

From agitator to elite to meme, Brad Marchand can’t stay out of the news. You may never see this again, so bookmark it.

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