Dallas Stars Daily Links: The Emergence Of Jason Robertson
The young forward’s journey to date is your Stars feel-good story of the week. Plus, what will happen at the trade deadline, how the pandemic has affected young athletes, and more.
The Dallas Stars need to make up some ground. Let’s get that out of the way. With that being said, there’s still some good news we can take from the season so far, and quite a bit of it has to do with Jason Robertson.
The rookie forward has become a ray of sunshine for a team that has struggled with its share of twilight moments. And the past few weeks have shown a tantalizing glimpse of what he can become for the team as it works its way back. Stars senior staff writer Mike Heika examines what may turn out to be a key month in the 21-year-old’s NHL career:
“He’s an offensive player, talented and very confident in his abilities,” Stars coach Rick Bowness said. “Robo’s got tremendous offensive skills and vision, and the confidence to back it up. We have to make sure he is with the right players because the defensive side of the game will improve, but, again, we are asking an awful lot from these kids.
“We need to play them. They are going to play, and he will keep getting better.”
Robertson himself has recognized the benefits of a good year with the Texas Stars and two months in the Stanley Cup playoffs bubble:
“My confidence comes not just from succeeding offensively, but being a complete pro on both sides of the ice,” he said. “My confidence comes from how much I am playing. I am playing a good amount of ice time, so I know I am doing pretty good, I think, and trying to be the best player I can be whether that be offensively or defensively. Bones puts a lot of trust in me because he plays me quite a bit during these times, but I am just trying to make the most out of it and give our team the best chance to win.”
That confidence from the coaching staff has been displayed in time on ice, and also in being put in key situations. Bowness had Robertson on the ice with the goalie pulled in the final minute Sunday, and Robertson whipped in a perfect shot to tie the game. He then was the first shooter in the shootout for Dallas, and he converted his chance there, as well.
There’s always more at Mike’s place. [Dallas Stars]
Stars Stuff
Can the Stars get some much-needed points tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks? Here’s how you can find out for yourself.
Strapping on the work boots tonight 💪@PNCBank | #GoStars https://t.co/SIP4UWi6aj
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 9, 2021
And because the trade deadline is coming up faster than anyone would like, Saad Yousuf takes a long look.
Trade Deadline Szn is upon us. It actually comes at a great time for the Stars, who have five options in how to approach it.
— Saad Yousuf (@SaadYousuf126) March 9, 2021
Will they be buyers or sellers or stand pat? Let’s examine their options and see what makes sense for the now and the future https://t.co/IZUddNLKQo
Meanwhile, the Victory Green Gang sees an important anniversary this week.
Seven years ago today, #9 went into the AAC rafters forever.@9modano | @DallasStars | #GoStars pic.twitter.com/AocpTHFGqH
— FOX Sports Southwest (@FOXSportsSW) March 8, 2021
Around The Leagues
The #Disco was closed on Monday night, so let’s jump directly to the headlines....
The hockey community joined in the celebration of International Women’s Day on Monday. Who’s your favorite woman in sport?
On #InternationalWomensDay, we highlight women who #ChooseToChallenge.
— NHL (@NHL) March 8, 2021
Visit https://t.co/OT28HZUxBB to view an impressive list of women across the hockey community. 👏 #NHLGenderEquality #HockeyIsForEveryone pic.twitter.com/I4VialuvwI
Rookie Kaapo Kahkonen earned his first shutout as the Minnesota Wild stopped the Vegas Golden Knights’ winning streak, 2-0. And he joined some interesting company, too.
Kaapo Kahkonen turned aside all 26 shots he faced and became the fourth rookie goaltender in @mnwild history to earn a regular-season shutout. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/9fwhf71jDg
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 9, 2021
Tom Wilson has a terrible record for infractions like the head shot he took on the Boston Bruins’ Brandon Carlo. So why does he keep getting slack? Ken Campbell asks for a friend.
Why Does the #NHL Keep Enabling Tom Wilson?
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) March 9, 2021
The 7-game sentence is the 5th suspension of his career, but by not penalizing him for what it acknowledges to be a direct blow to the head, the NHL once again is sending the wrong message says @THNKenCampbell: https://t.co/LZ2VeJhZ7R
Meanwhile, who’s up for watching the Stars ruin Patrick Kane’s 1,000th game tonight? Just for the grins?
My 1,000th game just won’t be the same without you, #Blackhawks fans! Here’s a special message for everyone who has been cheering me on since I first put on the Chicago sweater on October 4, 2007 pic.twitter.com/JZhc5n8HjH
— Patrick Kane (@88PKane) March 9, 2021
The pandemic has meant sacrifices for everyone, but for young athletes, losing a year could mean the end of their dreams.
Losing a year can make a big difference in terms of next steps when pursuing a sports dream, here's a first-hand account from a young athlete wondering: 'What is the right choice moving forward?' @CBCSaskhttps://t.co/RVfoJ70xas
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) March 8, 2021
Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park
Colton Point is back on his game, and the Texas Stars are reaping the benefits.
Texas Sweeps Tucson with 4-2 Win Despite Heavy Shot Differential https://t.co/7NeSeyUTQw #txstars pic.twitter.com/jabt0ztLUd
— 100 Degree Hockey (@100degreehockey) March 7, 2021
Finally
A wild ROOPE HINTZ appeared! Add this one to your collection.
The guy is just majestic, really. ♠️@ModeloUSA | #GoStars pic.twitter.com/bF6MpGuPwb
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 8, 2021