It’s an early one today, as the Stars and the Bruins face off at 11:30 a.m. at the AAC. And, Mike Heika says, that start time—the earliest of the season—is an unusual experience for most of the team.
And while Dallas has had a 1 p.m. start this season, there is something different to waking up and going straight to the rink.
“I’m at the rink three hours or even earlier before the game, and I won’t do that [Sunday],” center Jason Spezza said. “I’ll try to get up before my alarm [rings], have a couple of cups of coffee and get to the rink.”
Patrick Sharp, who’s no stranger to nationally broadcast games, offered a little advice on how to prepare.
“That would probably be the one thing I would advise anyone,” Sharp said when asked if the warmups will be much more intense. “Personally, I just probably would warm up more and be ready to go right from the start because there’s no [morning] skate, there’s no meal and nap in between, it’s just, ‘let’s get after it.’ Just get ready to start, whatever it takes for you to start fast and get ready.”
There’s more on the game, which Dave Strader and Razor will be calling on NBC, at the link. [SportsDayDFW]
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ICYMI yesterday, the Stars have called up left wing Remi Elie from the Texas Stars. [Stars]
Don’t forgot to head over to the AAC extra early this morning to celebrate Pevs Protects Day.
And make sure to arrive to Victory Plaza early, as @RichPeverley will be playing hockey with kids from 10 to 11 for Pevs Protects Day! pic.twitter.com/ciKsykUX3R
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) February 25, 2017
Mike Heika chatted with head coach Lindy Ruff about everything from Cody Eakin’s recent play to how Devin Shore’s rookie season is going. [SportsDayDFW]
Over at TSN, Jared Clinton calls the Patrick Eaves trade a win-win for both organizations. [TSN]
And speaking of Eaves, he played his first game in a Ducks uniform (a 4-1 loss to the Kings) yesterday.
In case you are wondering, Patrick Eaves playing on a line with Rickard Rakell and Corey Perry.
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) February 25, 2017
Senators coach Guy Boucher explains his coaching philosophy and the importance of “activating people,” not motivating them. [Sportsnet]
The Panthers are looking to add a winger before the trade deadline. [TSN]
Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen answers a few questions about playing in Toronto and his increased workload this season. [ESPN]
There were actual penguins at the Flyers-Penguins Stadiums Series game yesterday.
ACTUAL PENGUINS! #StadiumSeries pic.twitter.com/7VA5o9NKCR
— NHL (@NHL) February 26, 2017
The Marc-Andre Fleury trade rumors continue. [NHL]
Antoine Vermette’s 10-game suspension has been upheld. [TSN]
The Flyers are ready to make a push for the playoffs. [Puck Daddy]
Meanwhile, in Toronto, Auston Matthews picked up his 30th goal of the season last night.
Matthew’s 30th of the season tied the game up at 2-2. Check it out.#TMLTalk pic.twitter.com/9tcmtWWksy
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 26, 2017
Wayne Gretzky talks about his new role in the Oilers organization. [Sportsnet]
Twenty-two months after being struck by a car, North Dakota forward Lisa Marvin returned to the ice for her senior season. [New York Times]
And finally, John Klingberg had a busy day yesterday.
Awesome day at the rink playing with all these kids at Try Hockey For Free Day. pic.twitter.com/a3EXFyTjAX
— John Klingberg (@johnklingberg) February 26, 2017