After a shootout loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, the Dallas Stars turned around and shut down St. Louis Sunday evening with a 3-0 win. The game started on a high note, with Clayton Kershaw dropping the ceremonial first puck.
Thanks for joining us, @ClaytonKersh22! pic.twitter.com/yPtzYYt1xu
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) December 28, 2015
It only went up from there.
“It was important because when a team does have your number, it’s tough to get out of that funk,” Stars coach Lindy Ruff said of defeating St. Louis. “We’ve had that before with other teams, and the Central Division was a challenge for us last year and we’ve been up for that challenge so far this year.”
The back-to-back games between the Stars and Blues fueled some animosity. Sunday’s game was physical and featured two fights in the first seven seconds of the second period.
Here’s what Kari Lehtonen had to say about the win—featuring an excellent video bomb from Santa Jason Demers.
You can read about the rest of the game at the link. [Stars Inside Edge]
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With the win, the Stars put a tidy bow on a Christmas present for us all.
The @DallasStars just finished a five-game stretch against MTL, MIN, CHI, and STL twice. They went 4-0-1, outscoring their opponents 21-7.
— Josh Bogorad (@JoshBogorad) December 28, 2015
Elsewhere in the Central…
- The Hurricanes defeated the Blackhawks 2-1, thanks in large part to a strong performance from Eddie Lack. [Chicago Sun-Times]
- Winnipeg shut out Pittsburgh 1-0 yesterday, but also placed Matt Scheifele on IR. [TSN]
- The Coyotes came out on top against the Avalanche with a 2-1 overtime victory. [AZ Central]
Goalie Jack Campbell, who currently has a 4.27 GAA, will be suiting up for the Idaho Steelheads, as he was demoted to the ECHL yesterday. [Wrong Side of the Red Line]
And there’s more bad news for the Texas Stars.
Talked to Texas Stars GM Scott White. He said Devin Shore had shoulder surgery just before Christmas. Shore is out for the rest of season.
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) December 28, 2015
What’s gonna happen in 2016? Well, Allan Muir predicts—among other things—that Jim Nill will mastermind yet another exciting trade. [Sports Illustrated]
The Buffalo News reported that Evander Kane is the subject of a sex offense investigation, according to several sources. The Sabres released a statement on the situation. [Buffalo News]
There are still a few days left in 2015, but Puck Daddy feels pretty confident that these saves are the best of the year. [Puck Daddy]
Zack Kassian’s future with the Canadiens looks even murkier.
#Habs say that after speaking with Zack Kassian’s agent he has been asked by the team to not report to the AHL IceCaps until further notice.
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) December 26, 2015
The AHL’s San Diego Gulls are a hotspot for former NHL enforcers like Stu Bickel and Tim Jackman. [ESPN]
Here are your top takeaways from Day 2 of the World Juniors, including that Chris Egli received a three-game suspension for his hit on William Nylander. [NHL]
Take a few minutes of your time to revisit the best moments of 2015.
Tanking in the NHL is quickly going the way of the enforcer. [Toronto Sun]
Top 2016 draft prospect Auston Matthews isn’t afraid of the pressure he’s facing. [ESPN]
And finally, Tyler Seguin helped Patrick Sharp celebrate his birthday.
Happy 24th birthday broo!! “@10PSharp: Thanks for the birthday gift, @tseguinofficial. pic.twitter.com/kHwebA1Pn5“
— Tyler Seguin (@tseguinofficial) December 28, 2015