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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Patrick Sharp’s Will to Win, Leadership “As Advertised”

Posted on by Melissa Flandreau

Sure, the points that Patrick Sharp brings to the table are nice, but those 11 goals and 13 assists aren’t the only ways he’s benefited the Dallas Stars this season. Mark Stepneski writes about how Sharp’s composure and leadership on and off the ice have helped power the team to its best start in franchise history.

“It sets the bar,” said Nill. “When you are sitting on the bench in a game, you see him backcheck and catch a guy from behind and turn the puck around the other way, you know that you’ve got to do the same thing. It’s a process for the younger guys, but it’s important to show what it takes to win. [Sharp] is a star player and an offensive threat, a goal scorer and a lot of times people think they don’t have to do that but to win you have to.”

…

“You can tell he is an experienced player,” said Benn. “He’s talking a lot more now. On the bench in the intense situations, he’s telling guys to keep playing and be composed out there. There is no need to panic. It’s nice to hear that sometimes.”

Sharp himself talked about his willingness to fill in anywhere coach Lindy Ruff needs him, and also mentioned that transitioning from his Blackhawks jersey into Victory Green went more smoothly than expected.

“It’s been a lot of fun. I use that word a lot. It’s fun to play the game; it’s fun coming to the rink. The team is awesome. The guys are fun to play with. I am having a great time.”

There’s plenty more on Sharp’s role in Dallas at the link. Go check it out. [Stars Inside Edge]

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Tonight, the Stars play the Wild in the first game of a back-to-back that wraps Tuesday at the AAC against the Blackhawks. [Stars Inside Edge]

Get to know thine enemy before tonight’s game by reading up on Wild forward Charlie Coyle. [Minnesota Star-Tribune]

Here’s a little something to be happy while waiting for puck drop. (The Capitals joined the Stars at 50 points with a win last night, but Dallas was first, so…)

But hey, why be happy with just 50 points? Sportsnet’s projections for the rest of season have the Stars finishing with 110 points. If, of course, they keep up their current pace. [Sportsnet]

The hits just keep coming for the beleaguered Penguins. Sidney Crosby is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. [TSN]

The Blackhawks were the only Central Division team on the ice last night, so naturally, they beat the Sharks 4-3 in overtime. Thanks, San Jose. [Chicago Sun-Times]

Jaromir Jagr continues to be awesome.

Even with their loss to the Stars on Saturday and the Boston’s win on Sunday, the Canadiens remain atop the Atlantic. But the Habs’ struggles have given the Bruins time to find assert themselves this season. [Puck Daddy]

A time machine, some patience, peace and quiet—here’s what’s on each team’s Wish List this holiday season. [USA Today]

Steven Stamkos told the Tampa Bay Register that he wants to stay with the Lightning. So, that’s the end of that whole Leafs tweet liking controversy, right? Right? [TBR]

Aleksander Barkov put the moves on Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom in the Panthers‘ shootout win last night.

From losing your hearing in Columbus to sitting on the glass, The Hockey News presents the 10 things every hockey fan needs to do before they die. How many have you crossed off, and what would you add? [The Hockey News]

Canada’s roster for the World Juniors is set.

Speaking of the World Juniors, spend some time reliving the 2004 final between the U.S. and Canada, which featured a 16-year-old Sidney Crosby (and Patrick Eaves). [NHL]

If Andrew Hammond’s success with the Senators last season reminded you of Pittsburgh’s Patrick Lalime circa December 1996, you’re not alone. [The Hockey News]

And finally, here’s your Bud Light Frozen Moment of the week.

Talking Points