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Dallas Stars Daily Links: The Stars’ Power Play Is Dangerous Again

And in their system, it’s an advantage they can use. Plus, inside the NHL’s anti-bullying announcement, Jason Robertson wins the week, and more.

The Dallas Stars have scored two power-play goals in their past four games, which is as many as they scored in their first 10.

At this point, the power play is out-performing the Stars’ 5-on-5 work. Given their low-shooting even-strength system, it’s an advantage they can use, as Stars senior staff writer Mike Heika points out:

...[The] Stars need their power play to add that all-important half a goal per game that helps convert their stingy goals against average (second in the NHL this season at 2.44 per game) into victories. Of course, they also want to add positivity and make sure the power play doesn’t drag things down -- as it did earlier in the season during the 1-7-1 start.

“You obviously want to score goals, but I think it’s just as important that the power play adds momentum to your game and doesn’t take it away,” said Stars coach Jim Montgomery at the time. “If you do the right things, we believe the goals will come.”

Stars players are keeping the puck longer, which contributes heavily to their ability to convert on the man advantage, Montgomery says. But there are still ways to improve, starting with its best players:

That said, they could use the big guns to start scoring again. Radulov was second in power play scoring last season with 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) and he leads this season with six points (four goals, two assists). Tyler Seguin led last season with 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists), but he is way behind that pace this season with five assists and no goals.

Could the addition of Joe Pavelski (three goals and two assists on the power play), help improve the power play going forward? Will Denis Gurianov (two goals, two assists) and Miro Heiskanen (four assists) help keep the two units balanced? It’s all something to talk about going forward.

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

Stars Stuff

Heika and Razor talk about how much fun it is to watch Dallas teams win in their latest podcast.

Going to see the Stars take on the New Jersey Devils tonight? Here’s an incentive to get there early.

No wonder it’s chilly today – Sean Shapiro is throwing shade.

Around The League(s)

#Death Notes

  • The Colorado Avalanche overcame an early deficit and got a goal from Valeri Nichushkin, but lost 5-4 in OT to the Calgary Flames. [Mile High Hockey]/

Set your calendars for February. Or March. Seattle Team To Be Named Later is getting its branding in order.

Here’s your change, if you can keep it: The NHL has formed a plan to stop the punching-down culture in the pro game.

Daniel Carcillo got to this party earlier than most. Now he talks about the struggle to “clean up your side of the street,” and the reckoning that’s waiting for hockey culture writ large.

Meanwhile, Greg Wyshynski asks a process question that may haunt you:

Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park

The Texas Stars are finding their way, and so is hot-again prospect Jason Robertson.

The T-Stars kindly remind us all why showing is better than telling.

Finally

Before you get ready to cheer for their defeat, let it be known that the Devils take that Hockey Is For Everyone thing pretty seriously. Enjoy.

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