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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Stars Look to Put Away Wild in Game 6

Posted on by Melissa Flandreau

Radek Faksa‘s play has been a high point for the Stars all year, and his consistency has carried into the playoffs. Sean Shapiro takes a look at his role on the team and ability to be on the ice for important plays.

When Dallas had defensive-zone faceoffs late while clinging to leads in Games 2 and 4, Faksa took, and won, the key draws.

“It’s about confidence, that’s what’s been helping me,” Faksa said after Dallas’ morning skate Friday. “It’s more intense [in the playoffs], but I’m feeling more confident.”

Ales Hemsky had this to say about his linemate’s style of play.

It’s impressed Faksa’s teammates, including his fellow countryman and linemate Ales Hemsky.

“We don’t grow that many players like that in our country, it’s not in our genes I guess,” Hemsky said. “He’s still a skill guy, but he comes to NHL and learned not everyone will make it that way [as a scorer]. It’s tough to crack the lineup if you don’t score 20 goals in your first season. But, he’s really figured it out quicker than most guys ever do that this game is played all over the ice.”

Find out what else Faksa has to say at the link. [Star Tribune]

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You don’t have to wait until tonight for Game 6 to start—the puck drops for the Stars and the Wild at 2 p.m. While you wait for the game, here’s everything you’ll want to know. Plus, Mike Heika thinks there’s a good chance we’ll be seeing Kari Lehtonen in net. [SportsDayDFW]

Also from Heika: Haters gonna hate, but Alex Goligoski is just gonna shake it off. [SportsDayDFW]

A flurry of offense helped the Texas Stars take Game 2 in their first-round matchup with the San Diego Gulls. That included a goal and an assist from a Curtis McKenzie, who was playing with the flu.

Stay up-to-date on the rest of the Texas Stars happenings with Sean Shapiro’s latest mailbag. [Wrong Side of the Red Line]

Last night in playoff hockey:

The first round of the playoffs isn’t over yet, but The Hockey News’ Mike Brophy already has a lot of thoughts about what we’ve seen so far. [THN]

If you’ve been looking for a gift for the Flyers fan in your life, I can help you out.

The Panthers will be without Nick Bjugstad tonight after the forward hit the boards in a scary situation Friday night. [Sun Sentinel]

Everything’s coming up Pittsburgh. [Sportsnet]

Here, have a picture of P.K. Subban and Andrew Luck hanging out at the Pacers/Raptors game.

After the Sharks cut their playoff run short, the Kings have plenty of decisions to make this summer. [ESPN]

There are two top candidates in the Coyotes‘ hunt for a new general manager.

Bob McKenzie says he believes Chayka has the edge at the moment.

The International Olympic Committee’s announcement that they won’t cover the NHL’s expenses to participate in the Pyeongchang 2018 games is making things difficult for the league. [TSN]

And finally, watch the game with people who won’t judge for cheering/yelling very loudly.

Talking Points