The 2020 Dallas Stars are enjoying their greatest postseason success in nearly a generation. But while they have their eyes on the prize of a Stanley Cup, they’re continuing to watch the horizon for a permanent head coach.
Stars fans don’t need to be reminded of that holiday bombshell that saw defensive coach Rick Bowness become the interim bench boss last December. GM Jim Nill acknowledges that it’s been a roller coaster ever since:
“When we had to make the change, everything went pretty quick,” Nill said. “We went right from having to make the coaching change to Rick taking over, and then all of a sudden you get a pandemic. That gave him a chance to reset, and I think we’re reaping the rewards right now of him having a chance to put his stamp on this team. I’ve been very impressed.”…
“When you see the players react to a coach and decisions he has to make, that’s important,” Nill said. “I know Rick has the full support of the players, and that’s very important.”
There’s more under the link. [NHL]
Stars Stuff
Ben Bishop is practicing, and there’s video to prove it.
The NHL has begun making practice clips available to reporters. These two clips of Ben Bishop are from Stars practice today.
Taylor Fedun was also on the ice. pic.twitter.com/plHEC4ZTdu
— Matthew DeFranks (@MDeFranks) September 9, 2020
You’ve already read Taylor’s piece on this announcement, but this news provides some further proof that sometimes the good guys get their props.
“He’s a great family man, he’s great with the players, and he wants to win as much as anyone else. We’re proud to have him.” https://t.co/v3yZZukRmQ
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) September 10, 2020
And the Stars’ director of marketing can give this story a little more context.
Reminder that this man took a 50% pay cut at the beginning of the pandemic so that we could keep our jobs. https://t.co/oqt4jAfcRr
— Colleen (@c0lleenhamilton) September 9, 2020
Meanwhile, Tim Cowlishaw looks at the Stars’ playoffs triumphs and can’t help but notice what other Metroplex teams are doing in comparison.
Dallas’ trip to NHL’s final four serves as reminder of postseason droughts for other local pro teams https://t.co/pwes4dEHfy
— Tim Cowlishaw (@TimCowlishaw) September 9, 2020
Around The League(s)
The Tampa Bay Lightning has leapt out to a 2-0 series lead on the New York Islanders…but will they be able to sustain the pace?
Lightning Round: Bolts extended their lead in the series but might lose two forwards https://t.co/VaSaf3vTx0
— Raw Charge (@RawCharge) September 10, 2020
Can the Stars mount a sustained offense against the Vegas Golden Knights? Dan Rosen wonders out loud if the Victory Green Gang has a scoring problem.
The Stars have several key forwards approaching prolonged slump territory, @drosennhl writes. They hope to get going in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Golden Knights. Dallas has gone 117:24 without a goal, but the series is tied 1-1.https://t.co/XYNdcoWfv8
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) September 10, 2020
Youth must be served, it’s a two-goalie league, and you always – always – need that stud defenseman. Unless not. Sean McIndoe tries to make sense of the 2020 conference finals.
New post: What can we learn from the four remaining teams? Nothing. These stupid teams teach us nothing. https://t.co/HtxGW6is8i pic.twitter.com/6DUvsKgy0r
— Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) September 10, 2020
It’s never a wrong time for a goalie controversy! Matt Larkin takes a look at the Eastern Conference and makes his predictions for next season.
Behold, the 2020-21 Goalie Carousel!
Part 1: The Eastern Conference.
Who stays? Who goes? I estimate as many as seven teams have new No. 1s for next season.https://t.co/b6M3FVdOYd
— Matt Larkin (@THNMattLarkin) September 9, 2020