In what coach Lindy Ruff dubbed “a playoff game,” the Stars topped the Predators 3-2, thanks to a goal in overtime from Mattias Janmark. The victory marked the fourth straight for the team and, as Mike Heika emphasized, was another important Central Division decision.
Dallas plays at St. Louis on Tuesday, and that will allow them to meet every single divisional opponent in as pan of eight games. Right now, they are 6-1-0 in this gauntlet.
Dallas moves to 37-15-5 (79 points) overall and now is 13-5-1 against Central Division teams. They struggled last season at 8-14-7 and said winning divisional games was a huge goal this season.
“We’ve talked about it since camp,” said captain Jamie Benn. “We need to better against the division. It’s been important for us.”
Heika also mentioned Janmark’s strong rookie season and how he’s stepped up with Jason Spezza injured.
A surprise to make the team out of camp, Janmark now has 12 goals in his rookie season.
“I’ve adjusted to the life here now, and I feel comfortable.” Janmark said. “I’m just trying to have fun out there and play my best hockey. I feel like I’ve gotten better and better and it’s been a great ride for me.”
For more on the game, head to the link. [SportsDayDFW]
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Here’s what Razor had to say about the Stars’ win in Nashville.
With Tyler Seguin playing with 15 stitches in his arm due a cut from a skate blade, Mike Heika discusses whether adding more Kevlar could help prevent similar injuries. [SportsDayDFW]
If you need a way to pass the time before the Stars face the Blues tonight at 7 p.m., here’s one suggestion.
Episode 17 of #StarsSunday on @dfwticket is now posted.@DallasStars website: https://t.co/9yTiUeMsUg
iTunes: https://t.co/i10LjSRJR8
— Owen Newkirk (@OwenNewkirk) February 15, 2016
Mike Heika also hosted his weekly Stars chat yesterday, which featured insight on everything from whether the team is showcasing Patrik Nemeth for a trade, to the pros/cons of having a young team in the playoffs. [SportsDayDFW]
ESPN’s Scott Burnside revealed his latest roster projection for Team Russia’s World Cup of Hockey squad. [ESPN]
TSN breaks down which teams need what players, and the moves that might be made before the trade deadline. [TSN]
Get ready to see some of your favorite Stars players hit the ice for the Alumni Game on Feb. 27.
#Stars Alumni Association to hold 3rd annual Boxx Modular Stars Alumni game pres. by @txlandc on Saturday, Feb. 27. https://t.co/rUBjeDW8Cd
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) February 15, 2016
Here’s what went down in the rest of the Central last night.
- A four-point night from Patrick Kane lifted the Blackhawks to a 7-2 victory over the Maple Leafs. [Chicago Sun-Times]
- Under the guidance of new head coach John Torchetti, the Wild defeated the Canucks 5-2. [Star Tribune]
After Anders Lindback suffered an off-ice injury before the Coyotes‘ game last night, the team tabbed Nate Schoenfeld as its emergency backup goaltender. Schoenfeld was taking care of his twins when the call came. [AZ Central]
Although I’m sure he meant well, this official should maybe let someone else try to fix the ice next time.
Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said in a statement that Steven Stamkos won’t be dealt before the trade deadline. [NHL]
The Coyotes have defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson signed to what one exec called “the best deal in hockey.” [Sports Illustrated]
Your latest jaw-dropping save comes courtesy of Jeff Lerg, a goalie for the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.
After missing a practice to attend the NBA All-Star Game, Evander Kane was suspended one game by the Sabres. [ESPN]
Sean McIndoe discusses what GMs around the league should do before the trade deadline—and gives a nod to the Stars as one of this season’s true Cup contenders. [DGB]
And finally, Jaromir Jagr celebrated his 44th birthday yesterday.
+ + 6️⃣8️⃣ = pic.twitter.com/zoa2ZIsniA
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) February 16, 2016