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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Stephen Johns Ready for His Shot with Stars

Posted on by Melissa Flandreau

With Jason Demers, Jordie Benn, and John Klingberg all out for the Stars, the team is turning to Stephen Johns for help. Sean Shapiro chatted with the defenseman after he got the news about his call up.

Stephen Johns walked off the ice at the Cedar Park Center on Wednesday, went to the locker room and immediately grabbed his phone.

“First thing on my mind was I’ve got to call Mom and Dad,” Johns said. “It was pretty cool I’m excited for them to be down there (Friday).”

Although Johns mentioned he thought the call might have come sooner in the season, it’s no less appreciated by the defenseman now that it’s finally here.

Johns has earned his opportunity. He’s been one of Texas’ top defensemen all year with Esa Lindell and he’s played a physical, shut-down brand of hockey that has improved over the course of the season.

“I feel like It’s been more simple,” Johns said. “I’m not trying to do to much and I’m trying to focus more on defense and do whatever I can to help the team win. I think I’ve gotten really comfortable being back with Lindy (Lindell). So I think being more physical and that shut-down role has gotten better.”

For more on Johns and his thoughts ahead of tonight’s game, head to the link. [Wrong Side of the Red Line]

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The Stars host the Blackhawks tonight at the AAC at 7:30 p.m. It’s probably gonna be a pretty boring, low-key affair, but you can read more about it if you want. [Stars Inside Edge]

ICYMI yesterday, Jason Demers will be out at least six weeks with a shoulder injury. [Stars]

With all of the injuries currently plaguing the Stars, it means opportunity’s knocking for the team’s prospects, says Josh Bogorad. [On the Radar]

I don’t have an explanation for this, but you’re welcome.

Now that the playoffs are nearly upon us, here’s a look at which teams had the best luck with their offseason moves. The Stars, for one, are the clear winners in the Patrick Sharp trade. [CBS Sports]

Don’t miss this fanpost from jzwol103 about his Stars roadtrip to Ottawa and Montreal. [DBD]

Razor gifts us with a few nuggets of knowledge that didn’t make it into a broadcast, including this fun fact about the Dad’s Trip:

The Dad’s Trip was fun again. Lindy Ruff has established a tradition of having the father of the game winning goal scorer address the team before the next game.

There’s lots of other good stuff at the link. [Razor with an Edge]

From Kris Russell to Steven Stamkos, the 16 UFAs you should keep a close eye on. [Sportsnet]

Like the Islanders, the Stars will have to figure out a way to overcome their sudden influx of injuries. [Sports Illustrated]

Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog will sit for three games.

Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse was also handed a suspension. He’ll miss three games after an altercation with Sharks defenseman Roman Polak. [TSN]

Here’s a fun one: Rangers defenseman and avid Faith No More fan Dan Boyle had the chance to be a roadie and go on tour with his favorite band. [Rolling Stone]

P.K. Subban met the very adorable Beatrice, who was concussed (but is now okay!) after being hit by a puck that Subban tossed over the glass at a fan practice.

Unfortunately, Subban suffered an injury of his own in the Canadiens’ game against the Sabres last night and was stretchered off ice.

Sean McIndoe looks at rebuilding around the league and examines what it takes to make the process a successful one. [Sportsnet]

If you’ve been wondering what changes are coming to jerseys around the NHL in 2016-17, Icethetics has got you covered. [Icethetics]

Barack Obama and Justin Trudeau exchanged a few words about the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup win.

How bad is it really if you’re an inconsistent player? The folks at Hockey Wilderness talk about streakiness and the Wild. [Hockey Wilderness]

The Los Angeles Dodgers tried their hand at hockey. [NHL]

Hall of Famer Bill Gadsby, who died Thursday morning, was one of the game’s toughest. [The Hockey News]

And finally, after a curious Darren McFadden said he needed to watch a Stars game, good guy Patrick Sharp pitched in to help out the Cowboys’ running back.

Talking Points