Well, the 2016-17 season is finally over for the Stars, and they finished it off with a win in game No. 82.
After John Klingberg’s overtime goal was ruled offsides, Tyler Seguin’s shootout tally gave the team an official 4-3 victory over the Avalanche. The game also marked the NHL debut of Denis Gurianov, who got the rookie treatment during warmups.
Denis Gurianov on his first NHL shift:
“Nervous, for sure. Of course first shift I have puck and it’s like, wow.”— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) April 9, 2017
Mark McNeill also played his first game in Dallas, and Seguin, who finished the season with a team-leading 72 points, was also awarded the Mike Modano Trophy.
Congratulations to Tyler Seguin on winning the Mike Modano Trophy this season, awarded to the player with the most points (72). pic.twitter.com/zI9DZzkFv1
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 9, 2017
In his post-game, on-ice remarks, Jamie Benn gave a shoutout to Dave Strader.
Thanks to entire @FOXSportsSW @DallasStars crew for final moments of tonight’s show. Colleen & I both wish we were there. We will be back!
— Dave Strader (@TheVoiceDS) April 9, 2017
In all, it was, as Mike Heika put it, an “odd ending to an odd season.”
Dallas blew a two-goal lead, had a goal disallowed in overtime, and finally won in a shootout, 4-3, against the Colorado Avalanche Saturday to end the year at 34-37-11, one of the more disappointing records since the team moved to Dallas in 1993.
But the American Airlines Center ice was filled with partying fans excited about next season, so the message was mixed.
You can see what everyone from Lindy Ruff to Devin Shore had to say about the game here, and there’s more on the win at the link. [SportsDayDFW]
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From Gerard Gallant to Kirk Muller, the candidates who could take over as head coach if Lindy Ruff isn’t back next season. [SportsDayDFW]
The Texas Stars lost 9-3 to the Charlotte Checkers last night. [Texas Stars]
With a win over the Penguins, the Maple Leafs punched their ticket to the postseason and eliminated the Lightning and the Islanders from contention. Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen also left the game after a hit from Tom Sestito.
Game-winning Goal: @Breeze2Greeze. #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/uI59e3vQPu
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 9, 2017
Last night also affected a few other playoff scenarios. [NHL]
Bryan Bickell, who was diagnosed with MS in November, announced that he’s retiring from the NHL. [NHL]
Bickell’s teammates also surprised him during yesterday’s WalkMS event in Raleigh.
The #Canes just surprised @bbicks29 by showing up for the 2017 #WalkMS with him! #BickellBrave pic.twitter.com/NhmNGldbNz
— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) April 8, 2017
Could head coach Darryl Sutter be on his way out in Los Angeles? [Sportsnet]
Long-time announcer Bob Miller called his final Kings home game last night.
This is for you, LA Kings fans. #ThankYouBob pic.twitter.com/F3QoNTC0ci
— #LAKings (@LAKings) April 9, 2017
Mark your calendar for April 29. That’s when the 2017 Draft lottery is likely to be held. [Sportsnet]
Craig Cunningham dropped the ceremonial puck for the Coyotes last night.
.@RoadrunnersAHL Captain Craig Cunningham dropped the puck at our final game of the year. Thank you for being such an inspiration. #CunnyDid pic.twitter.com/csBkzIY9E0
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) April 9, 2017
Denver beat Minnesota-Duluth (and Stars prospect Riley Tufte) 3-2 to claim their eighth NCAA hockey tournament championship. Tufte did score in the game. [SB Nation]
The NHL’s longest-serving ushers have some pretty awesome stories. [New York Times]
And finally, here’s to 2017-18.
Later, 16-17 season! pic.twitter.com/r5vv3Q3lSr
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 9, 2017