There are plenty of decisions for the Stars to make this offseason, especially when it comes to the team’s defensemen. Sean Shapiro takes a look at what the team should do about Alex Goligoski.
If you look at the numbers, Dallas possessed the puck more when Goligoski was on the ice — and quite effectively. In the regular season, Goligoski had the 16th best Corsi number amongst defenseman with a 53.69 percent Corsi For percentage. John Klingberg, his defensive partner, finished seventh in the league at 55.62 (Kings defenseman Drew Doughty led all defensemen at 58.94).
Shapiro says whether or not the Stars should keep Goose comes down to what role they seem him filling going forward.
If he’s going to play with Klingberg in a top-four role, it’s a good fit. But if you’re going to relegate Goligoski to a bottom pairing—€”consider Stephen Johns and Johnny Oduya are solidly entrenched as the second pair—it’s probably not worth the cap hit.
There’s more on Goligoski—including a few thoughts from John Klingberg—at the link. [Today’s Slapshot]
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ICYMI over the weekend, here’s what Czech Republic coach Josef Jandac had to say about Radek Faksa:
“[Faksa’s] nomination is largely based on how he played in the second half of the season”- coach Josef Jandac. https://t.co/bngo4GoMA1
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) May 30, 2016
Over at The Hockey Writers, DBD’S Derek explains why the Stars are sitting pretty with the 25th pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. [THW]
Also at THW, Jordan Dix deconstructs the Stars’ 2015-16 roster and examines how each player arrived in the Big D. [THW]
Last night in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, a late third-period goal from Nick Bonino lifted the Penguins to a 3-2 win over the Sharks. [NHL]
Obstacle 1: Paul Martin
Obstacle 2: Hockey stick on the ice
Obstacle 3: Martin Jones
Result: BONINO GOAL! pic.twitter.com/LRWOPSzKhb— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 31, 2016
Phil Kessel certainly has the support of Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan.
Coach Sullivan on Kessel: “He certainly has way better instincts on offense than the coaching staff. That’s what makes him an elite player.”
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 30, 2016
The latest episode of The Hockey PDOcast breaks down Sweden’s choice of defensemen for the World Cup of Hockey. [Sportsnet]
Finland could be without former Stars defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka at the World Cup. [NBC Sports]
Hockey by Design counts down the best jersey matchups from the 2016 playoffs. [HBD]
Vladimir Tarasenko declined to talk to the media during the Blues‘ locker clean-out day, so naturally, everyone is freaking out about it. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
Speaking of St. Louis, it looks like Ken Hitchcock will be staying on as the team’s head coach.
Tomorrow, I think. One-year deal, just like this year. Maybe changes among staff, who might search for more term https://t.co/aGHymoniae
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 31, 2016
Free agent Troy Brouwer could be a good fit for the Canucks. [Sportsnet]
The Stanley Cup isn’t the only trophy on the line right now. Get ready for the Calder Cup Final between the Lake Erie Monsters and the Hersey Bears [The Hockey News]
And finally, in honor of last night’s Game 1, The Players’ Tribune posted two hockey articles. The first, courtesy of Matt Cullen, covered what it’s like to be a dad in the NHL. The second, from Pascal Dupuis, will give you a few feelings.
Former @Penguins winger @Duper0009 on coming to grips with life after hockey. https://t.co/gf7qp4aEc2 pic.twitter.com/LKeqChhteN
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) May 30, 2016