Good news everyone: the Dallas Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche last night! There aren’t any highlights of the game (yet), so instead I’ll just sum up the game with one simple tweet:
Final: Stars 3, Avalanche 1
Hintz, Pitlick, and Honka with the goals
Bishop with 21 saves
Stars improve to 4-0-1 in preseason
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) September 27, 2018
Here’s what head coach Jim Montgomery had to say about the players’ performance:
Montgomery think that sophomore defenseman Julius Honka had his best game last night; let’s here from the young Finn himself:
While on the subject, here’s a look at how Honka has been taking advantage of the big minutes he’s been getting this preseason: [NHL]
A couple other players impressed the coaching staff last night, including Brett Ritchie and Justin Dowling:
Monty said Brett Ritchie was really good tonight, really imposed on the game creating turnovers and physically Avs didn’t have an answer for him, said changed the momentum of the game.
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) September 27, 2018
Montgomery said Justin Dowling has been surprise of training camp for him. “He’s been terrific, he’s on the ice talking our language … his hockey sense, and he’s just making plays everywhere. He’s making that second PP dangerous. He’s been really impressive. “
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) September 27, 2018
Finally, I’m definitely not biased when it comes to this, but…
I know it’s “just preseason,” but Gurianov has scored a point in each of his four games.
— Tyler Mair (@mairican) September 27, 2018
Around the League
DownGoesBrown takes a look at the betting odds for the various NHL awards and breaks down the longshots, giving some love to Tyler Seguin in the Hart race while he’s at it. [The Athletic]
A couple of big players showed up on the injury report yesterday. First up, Seth Jones is going to miss a couple weeks due to MCL sprain:
NEWS: All-Star D Seth Jones to miss 4-6 weeks due to knee injury suffered vs. Buffalo on Tuesday night. An MRI today revealed 2nd degree MCL sprain. #CBJ
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) September 26, 2018
It could be worse, though: for instance, Corey Perry is going to miss several months:
BREAKING: #NHLDucks Executive Vice President and General Manager Bob Murray said Corey Perry had surgery today to repair meniscus and MCL injuries.
His recovery timetable is set for 20 weeks, or about five months.
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) September 26, 2018
The Ottawa Senators seem to be making a lot of decisions based on money these days, and that’s not necessarily a good thing. [The Hockey News]
One of the most surprising cuts from across the league came yesterday, courtesy of the Nashville Predators:
Eeli Tolvanen has been assigned to the AHL.
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) September 26, 2018
Was sending Eeli Tolvanen, considered by many to be a potential Calder Trophy candidate, the right move for the Predators? James O’Brien discusses: [NBC Sports]
Finally…
Radio co-host Bruce LeVine is going to be out for a while due to personal reasons. We here at DefendingBigD all wish him a speedy recovery:
Personal Update: Last week I was struck with medical situation that required emergency surgery and a week in the hospital.
Unfortunately, I will not be back with @OwenNewkirk to begin the season. I hope to return quickly as I truly love my job & miss Stars hockey.
See you soon— Bruce LeVine (@BruceLeVinePuck) September 26, 2018