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Dallas Stars Daily Links: So Far Away, So Close

Mike Heika reflects on the limits of the possible in an impossible season. Plus, free agency waits for no one, teams looking to rebuild, and more.

The Dallas Stars rode as far as they could, but they arrived on the doorstep with nothing left. That Game 6 loss in the Stanley Cup Final may hurt too much – at least for Stars fans – to actively partake in luxuries like perspective and rational evaluation. Especially when the ultimate prize was close enough to touch.

But in this year of all impossible years, with the ill-starred injuries and unlikely victories and a pandemic thrown in, it’s still possible to relish what was so nearly possible.

Stars senior staff writer Mike Heika bids a long goodbye to the Stars’ run. There’s a lot of ground to cover, but let interim head coach Rick Bowness provide some of the high points:

“I’m very proud of our players and the organization. We left everything we had on the ice, and from a coaching perspective, that’s all you can ask,” Bowness said.

“That’s why we’re in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. Nobody expected us to get here, but we believed in ourselves, and we were committed to each other.

“We had team play and great camaraderie and great leadership and they pushed this team as far as it could go.”...

“I’m proud of our players. They gave us everything they could,” Bowness said. “Was there enough in the tank tonight? No, there wasn’t. But it was a credit to our players to get to Game 6.”

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

Stars Stuff

Sean Shapiro gives his final report from an impossible season.

He also offered this heartbreaking anecdote about the Captain, post-game.

The Stars may have come up short, but they created some indelible memories for many more than just their fans.

Remember the good times? There were plenty.

And here’s proof, if more were needed, that Real Recognizes Real.

In this house, we stan this legend. Forever.

Around The League(s)

This is really nice (if you can forgive the lead photo) – the NHL and Sportsnet dedicate their finale supercut to the personnel who made Bubble Life possible.

Also at NHL.com: The Arizona Coyotes are going to be #MurderDeathKill-mates sooner rather than later. Let’s catch up with their new GM.

And all of a sudden, free agency drops onto the stage like a ton of bricks. Emmy Sadler takes a look at the best available centers, from Jason Spezza to – wait for it! – Cody Eakin.

Some teams may need free agents more than others. Steven Ellis and Matt Larkin discuss what the off-season might look like for the Calgary Flames and the Buffalo Sabres.

Finally

Keep remembering those good times...including this loving message from @DallasStars.

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