Dallas Stars Daily Links: “F” Stands for “Fun”
Well technically, it’s for “friends who do stuff together.” Plus, why the Stars’ offense is struggling again, tales from Cedar Park, and more.
Yesterday’s practice was a bit unusual for the Dallas Stars’ standards. Rather than running through drills and barking orders, the coaching staff took a step back and let the players run practice. It led to a more laidback atmosphere as the team simply got to enjoy playing some hockey:
“We think that the team is confident, we’re playing well, and sometimes you need to be a kid again,” Stars coach Jim Montgomery said of the reason for the off-day fun.
Of course, not everything is fun and games — the Stars are currently riding a three-game losing streak after winning seven in a row. But Dallas still sits in a playoff spot, and Montgomery feels that the team is continuing to improve:
“Our game management is significantly improved…consistency…playing to our identity. Last year when we didn’t play well, it seemed we never had the puck. Now when we have our B-minus games, we still have the puck our share of the game. But the evolution of our game is to be even better at those elements, so that our B-minus games can end up more Ws.”
You can read more from Mike Heika here.
Stars Stories
Here’s a little peek at what practice looked liked:
The guys had some fun at practice today with a game of 3-on-3 between players from North America and Europe!
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) December 2, 2019
Check out some highlights as Team Europe took home the W. #GoStars pic.twitter.com/ISd5Pu2tb7
Where did the offense go? Matthew DeFranks investigates:
Why the Stars’ offense has gone quiet the last 3 games after being one of the NHL’s best over the past 6 weeks | @MDeFranks #GoStars https://t.co/BZkgR1iCMw
— SportsDay Stars (@dmn_stars) December 3, 2019
Sean Shapiro went to Cedar Park recently, and boy, did he write a great story:
Shap Shots: There is going to be an emotional reunion soon for Emil Djuse, who has never seen his daughter outside of a hospital or air ambulance https://t.co/qzNh0SwwyM
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) December 2, 2019
The Stars have some updates about the Winter Classic, including how tailgating is barred for some dumb reason:
Everything you need to know for the New Year's Day outdoor game featuring the Stars and Predators at Cotton Bowl Stadium.#GoStarshttps://t.co/PsnBq7bY2X
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) December 2, 2019
Around the League
I’m not sure how to feel about this — the St. Louis Blues beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-0 last night:
RECAP: Patrick Kane’s point streak ends at 15 games in shorthanded #Blackhawks’ 4-0 loss to #stlblues https://t.co/qcZVzbpGig
— Second City Hockey (@2ndCityHockey) December 3, 2019
Speaking of Chicago...
Sean Avery told the New York Post Crawford kicked him during a game with the Kings.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) December 3, 2019
Patrick O'Sullivan also tweeted he "went through awful things with my first NHL coach who knew my abuse background as a child.” Crawford was O'Sullivan's first NHL coach. https://t.co/VeAM0zc9F2
Wes isn’t the only one who views Dallas as a possible landing spot for Taylor Hall:
Which five destinations make the most sense for Taylor Hall? @THNMattLarkin dives in:https://t.co/W7co60JPGf
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) December 3, 2019
This is both ridiculous and completely understandable:
Last December, Tyler Ennis received a grim diagnosis from a doctor about his broken ankle. Turns out, they confused his x-ray with Tyler Ennis the basketball player who suffered a catastrophic leg injury.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) December 2, 2019
I spoke to both Tyler Ennises about the mistake.https://t.co/9k3P6tgzgi pic.twitter.com/rqwmfBzuWe
Corey Pronman gives Miro Heiskanen and Cale Makar some love in his recent scouting piece:
Even after Cale Makar was drafted, @coreypronman didn’t fully buy into the hype. With Makar trending to be the Calder Trophy recipient this season, Pronman admits, he was wrong in his earlier evaluations.https://t.co/pj7MUXes9Y
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) December 2, 2019
Finally, the fact that the New Jersey Devils might even consider this is just downright depressing:
The World Junior Championship is on the horizon and with the season going sideways in New Jersey, it might be best for the Devils to let Jack Hughes find his groove at the tournament.@THNKenCampbell with more:https://t.co/ZK073R53m1
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) December 3, 2019