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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Khudobin Heroics Pay Off As Stars Break Streak In Sunrise

One shutout doesn’t fix everything, but my goodness, doesn’t it help? Plus, the Claude Julien fallout, how minor-leaguers are preparing for their next act, and more.

Last night in Sunrise, Anton Khudobin delivered even more evidence that he’s back on his game. The Kazakh Scorpion stopped every one of the 43 shots he faced to earn his second shutout of the season.

Of course, he had to stop more than 40 shots, again. But this time, it gave his teammates a chance to get the goals they needed to take down the Florida Panthers 3-0.

Dobby delivered quality as well as quantity, as The Dallas Morning News’ Matthew DeFranks reports:

On multiple occasions, he sent Panthers back to their bench with their heads shaking. First there was MacKenzie Weegar, who was stopped on the rush. Then there was Jonathan Huberdeau, who Khudobin robbed with a glitzy glove save in the third period.

“He’s a difference-maker when he’s out there,” Esa Lindell said. “He gives us a chance to win every night. He was outstanding again today.”

Of course, a single road shutout doesn’t cure everything that ails the Stars right now. But to borrow a quote from Marilyn Monroe, my goodness, doesn’t it help?

The Stars were pushed by Florida, but they didn’t fold like they did during Monday’s disastrous second period.... The holes that appeared in the last three weeks were patched over Wednesday night, held together by Khudobin.

“Earlier, we weren’t getting big goals, we weren’t getting big saves,” Bowness said. “That’s kind of why we went in that skid. Tonight, we were getting the big save, and finally got that second goal when we needed it.”

Matt has more. [SportsDayDFW]

Stars Stuff

“Tonight, we were getting the big saves, and finally we got that second goal.” Bench boss Rick Bowness loves it when a plan comes together.

“I think we managed the game really good today.” It helps when John Klingberg pockets the game-winning goal in the first minute.

“I did feel good today, and I played good today.”

Dobby’s donut paid off big for the Dallas Stars Foundation, too.

Around The Leagues

#Disco Heat

  • The Tampa Bay Lightning picked up a 3-0 shutout of their own in a home win against the Carolina Hurricanes, despite a mighty effort by goalie Alex Nedeljkovic. [Canes Country]/

The Montreal Canadiens have fired head coach Claude Julien and assistant coach Kirk Muller, and as usual, it’s a reflection of what’s going on in the office.

A “quiet guy.” A “good guy.” A “strategy guy.” New interim bench boss Dominique Ducharme has built good relationships among players and executives with his no-drama approach.

There’s always a perspective you may not have thought about.

The pandemic has impacted some players more than others. The Professional Hockey Players’ Association has a program to help minor-leaguers transition into new careers.

There are no Stars on this list, but that will change after they’ve played more outdoor games, probably, maybe.

Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park

Nothing beats the COVID-19 reality, and the Texas Stars didn’t play the Iowa Wild last night after all.

Finally

It’s always nice to see Khudobin get some love from the big feed. Enjoy.

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