Coming off the Dallas Stars analytics-defying loss to the Avalanche on Saturday, which didn’t exactly inspire hope that the team’s fortunes are turning around, Mike Heika wonders whether the Stars can learn from their recent struggles and keep their season on track.
The key for the Stars during this dreadful 2-6-2 run is learning from the losing. Can Dallas take lessons and prevent future mistakes? Can it analyze weaknesses and find strengths?
It’s a big part of making this season a good one.
“When you win, you have to understand why you’re successful, what makes you win those games. And when you lose, you have to be smart, and you have to understand why you are losing,” said defenseman Johnny Oduya.
Oduya also emphasized that luck shouldn’t have anything to do with the Stars getting back in the win column.
“You’re not supposed to be lucky when you’re winning, you’re supposed to earn it and deserve it,” he said. “We’ve lost some momentum, but I think we’re starting to get it back. I think the past three games, we are better, but you have to fight hard to get it back. We’re fighting, but we have to fight even harder now to get that feeling back.”
For more on the Stars and what they can learn from their slump, head on over to the link. [SportsDayDFW]
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Tonight at 7:30 p.m., the Stars take on the Flames at the AAC for their last game before the All-Star break. [Stars Inside Edge]
Don’t forget to tune in today at 2 p.m. for Mike Heika’s weekly Stars chat. [SportsDayDFW]
The Texas Stars have seen a jump in scouts paying attention in Cedar Park.
Scouts from Calgary, Vancouver, Nashville, NJ, Winnipeg, Chicago, Columbus, LA, Pittsburgh and Tampa present for #txstars vs. San Antonio.
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) January 24, 2016
Over at The Hockey Writers, Jordan Dix wonders which young defenseman will seize his opportunity and step up for the Stars. [The Hockey Writers]
Jack Campbell continues to impress after being assigned to the Idaho Steelheads.
Jack Campbell now has 1.45 GAA, .951 SV%, 3 shutouts, and a 6-3 record in 9 ECHL games. https://t.co/oiWNdgTBUn
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) January 24, 2016
Thanks to Mike Babcock’s arrival in Toronto, Nazem Kadri finally looks more like the player that the Maple Leafs hoped he would be. [Sportsnet]
Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski discusses the potential concerns presented by using the coach’s challenge on offsides goals. [Puck Daddy]
The Oilers are the first NHL team to use Pride Tape.
#PrideTape pic.twitter.com/zpIceBLt6V
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 24, 2016
In Sunday’s only Central Division showdown, the Blackhawks blanked the Blues 2-0 for Corey Crawford’s seventh shutout of the year. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Over the All-Star break, Connor McDavid will skate with AHL’s Bakersfield Condors. [TSN]
Kings forward Milan Lucic will sit out a game after punching former Stars defenseman and newly minted Coyote Kevin Connauton.
Los Angeles’ Milan Lucic suspended one game for a punch to an unsuspecting opponent, Arizona’s Kevin Connauton. https://t.co/vg4AzwYQOo
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) January 24, 2016
Is the NHL’s trade deadline date of February 29th too late? [TSN]
Chicken masks, selfies, and plenty of hockey—the NWHL’s All-Star Game was a lot of fun. [ESPN]
And finally, Senators forward Bobby Ryan helped make two young fans’ day.