Everybody knows how it goes: When you make a mistake, you learn from it. And that, Mike Heika says, is the focus for the Dallas Stars this season.
Early in the season, “learning” is a great theme for this team.
“We’re humble, and I like that about this team,” Stars general manager Jim Nill said. “We know there is talent and we know now is the time, but we also know that it takes a lot of work and a lot of attention to detail. I think we have learned that from last season.”
Nill likes to use the word “maturity,” and he means it for all ages. Klingberg is maturing as a second-year player. Jamie Benn is maturing in his third season as captain. Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi are maturing in a new situation in goal. It’s taking experiences and putting them to use.
Learn even more about learning at the link. [SportsDayDFW]
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As we wait for Stars hockey to return tomorrow when the team takes on the Flyers at 6:30 p.m., relive a little of last week:
Jason Spezza celebrating after one of his three goals against the Oilers is this week’s @budlight Frozen Moment.pic.twitter.com/4ZP9o8InhE
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) October 19, 2015
Although the Stars haven’t provided many details regarding Curtis McKenzie’s injury or a timetable for his return, Mike Heika did offer this:
@Chase_Davis15 They are waiting for swelling to go down. The pain, I believe, is in the hip area, and we’ve seen how complicated that can be
— Mike Heika (@MikeHeika) October 18, 2015
How much confidence should teams starting strong have? On the flip side, how worried should teams like Columbus be? A look at luck early in the season. [Today’s Slapshot]
In Buffalo, hockey is a family affair, as five Sabres have siblings who have also played in the NHL. I mean, it’s not quite as cool as having a brother on the same team, but still. [The Buffalo News]
The Texas Stars have won four in a row, and Devin Shore is scoring up a storm.
Stars Notes: Devin Shore’s six goals are the most ever by a #txstars player through the first three games of the season.
— Brien Rea (@BrienRea) October 18, 2015
A move to San Jose meant that goalie Martin Jones was reunited with an old rival: former Stars defenseman Brenden Dillon [SI]
Thirty-nine-year-old Shane Doan talks about his NHL career, his “nice guy” rep, and what comes next. [Puck Daddy]
So… have y’all heard about how tough the Central Division is yet? [Star Tribune]
In related news, this Vladimir Tarasenko guy is pretty good, huh?
Tarasenko just makes it look easy. #STLvsWPG #stlblues pic.twitter.com/HAZgxgPX27
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) October 18, 2015
Connor McDavid scored twice on Saturday (and picked up an assist on Sunday), so Edmonton can keep him around for at least a little longer. [The Score]
The NHL and hockey as a whole are becoming increasingly diverse, says The Hockey News’ Ryan Kennedy. [THN]
For the Blue Jackets, things are grim enough after an 0-6-0 start that ‘Lumbus postponed its annual team dinner, and coach Todd Richards is under scrutiny. [Puck Daddy]
Ready to impress, these rookies are already making the Calder conversation interesting. [The Globe and Mail]
And finally, this is… not how you hockey.
Tangled, the sequel. Less hair, more flair. pic.twitter.com/Fptg9nrFk7
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) October 19, 2015