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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Spending Time in “Swamp” Isn’t Reason to Panic, Says Mike Heika

After the Stars lost 3-1 to the Flames on Thursday night, it was easy to feel a little down, or like the wind had been let out of Dallas’ sails. But according to Mike Heika, there’s no reason to panic about the Stars getting stuck in what he calls the swamp.

The Stars are being pulled back into the swamp.

Thing is, they probably need to be.

If you’re going to eventually win in this league, you have to get dirty. And for the Stars to get to the place where they want to be, they have to live in the swamp for a little while. Because that’s what the playoffs are like — and, truth be told, this team doesn’t know what the playoffs are like.

These tougher moments are the ones that help get the team for postseason play.

As much as we in the media make a big deal out of Dallas losing to teams with losing records, there isn’t that much difference between the top and the bottom in the NHL. Maybe less than ever.

And that’s why this process is good for the Stars.

There might not be another league where first-round playoff upsets are so prevalent. There might not be another league where the philosophy of “just get in” is actually a really good strategy.

For more on what the swamp means for the Stars, you can head over to the link. [SportsDayDFW]

Tonight, the Stars attempt to get back on track after Thursday’s loss to the Flames by taking on the Canadiens at the AAC at 6 p.m. [Stars Inside Edge]

If anyone is going to the game with kiddos in tow, don’t forget to arrive early.

The latest episode of Stars Insider is now online if you need a way to pass the time before tonight’s puck drop. [Stars]

You know that thing when the Stars lose and you’re annoyed, but then you remember that it’s hard to be that upset because they’re in first place in the West? Here’s what you can do instead of complain. [The Hockey Writers]

For anyone who has yet to use Uber in Dallas, here’s a good reason to download the app.

The crew at Sports Illustrated recalled their favorite memories of the past year, and one of those top moments involves a game that Stars fans will be very familiar with. [SI]

Good news for the improving Oilers: Connor McDavid is back on the ice. [TSN]

Habs defenseman P.K. Subban challenged Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, to participate in the #CanadaCarols campaign, and the PM didn’t disappoint.

If the Blue Jackets do move Ryan Johansen, will it become Version 2.0 of the Bruins‘ trading Tyler Seguin? [Sportsnet]

Maybe fans shouldn’t be allowed to vote for the All-Star Game. [The Hockey News]

Maybe this is why:

Rasmus Ristolainen is blossoming in Buffalo and seeing added ice time as a result. [The Hockey News]

Bleacher Report took a stab at predicting each team’s “protected list” for a potential expansion draft. [Bleacher Report]

Don’t worry, there are no spoilers in this Star Wars tribute that the Wild showed on Thursday night.

Puck Daddy’s Ryan Lambert responds to the faction of people claiming that Drew Doughty deserves a Norris Trophy. [Puck Daddy]

The AHL’s Toronto Marlies signed goaltender Ray Emery to a PTO. [NHL]

Sean McIndoe’s latest Grab Bag features the week’s three stars of comedy, and, as always, is filled with things that you never knew you wanted to know about obscure hockey players. [ESPN]

Bad news for the Blackhawks.

Although there’s less research surrounding concussions in women’s hockey, the effects are felt just as strongly by the sport’s players, including Josephine Pucci and Amanda Kessel. [The New York Times]

TSN’s Ian Mendes argues that video review should be adopted for major penalties. [TSN]

And finally, here’s a young Tyler Seguin for you.

Talking Points