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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Can Pavelski And Perry Light It Up During The Playoffs?

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

It’s been more than a year since the Dallas Stars signed Joe Pavelski and Corey Perry, and some fans have already written them off as more-or-less wasted contracts. Both have looked out of place at pivotal moments, and Perry’s long walk to the locker room during the Winter Classic will be on the wrong kind of highlight reels for a long time.

In his latest piece for The Athletic, Sean Shapiro acknowledges the regular-season letdowns that have made both veteran forwards look like misguided front-office decisions. But he also reminds that the boss was thinking beyond the regular season when he made those deals:

For much of the season, Pavelski looked like an overpaid $7 million player who didn’t fit with his new team. Perry’s season was “highlighted” by a dirty hit that earned him a five-game suspension and a walk of shame to the locker room in front of 85,630 fans at the Cotton Bowl in the Winter Classic.

It was disappointing, but Stars general manager Jim Nill wasn’t focusing on the regular season when he signed Pavelski and Perry.

What Nill wanted was two veterans who know how to come up clutch on a march to the Stanley Cup Finals. And Shapiro sees evidence that this is exactly what the Stars will take with them when they depart for Edmonton on Sunday:

Pavelski’s line with Mattias Janmark and Alexander Radulov was the best forward unit in a scrimmage the Green Team won 4-0. Pavelski got to the net, found open space and had multiple chances in tight, including his goal that made it 1-0 on a backhanded rebound in the first period. Pavelski later helped set up Janmark’s goal that made it 3-0.

Perry has been on a line with Jamie Benn and Jason Dickinson since the start of camp. The trio struggled to make much of an impact in Wednesday’s scrimmage but were more noticeable in Thursday’s scrimmage, often going against the Stars’ FCC checking line. Perry also stood out when the Stars worked on the power play for 14 minutes, having an impact on three of the four goals Dallas scored.

Sean has more, including additional scrimmage notes. [The Athletic DFW]

Stars Stuff

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The Rinky Dinking podcast is back, and Razor and Heika are talking tournament.

Around The League(s)

Let the “Clash of the Titans” memes begin.

Whatever you might think of the name, just admit that this logo is sick.

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Finally

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Talking Points