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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Will the Stars Lean More on Antti Niemi in 2016-17?

Posted on by Melissa Flandreau

In the latest edition of his regular Stars chat, Mike Heika discusses whether the Stars could turn to Antti Niemi over Kari Lehtonen in 2016-17.

Question: What’s the biggest thing that each goalie needs to improve on the most for this upcoming year?
Heika: They both are working on the same issues. Niemi has to do a better job of controlling his rebounds. Lehtonen has to be better at handling pressure and making the easy saves.

…

I think Niemi will get a better chance to seize big games this year. Lehtonen earned that chance last year, but the guess is if they have both goalies back, the team will want to lean more heavily upon Niemi in the playoffs, and will plan the season accordingly.

Heika also talked about the reasons behind Stephen Johns‘ success.

Question: What do you think makes Stephen Johns so valuable to the Stars? His size? right handed? Technically, Nemeth and Oleksiak have Johns’ size or better, so I don’t think it’s just the size. I think he has tenacity, aggressiveness, and an ability to make quick decisions on when to use his size.

There’s more from Heika at the link. [SportsDayDFW]

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Feeling 100 percent after shoulder surgery in December, Devin Shore is confident and ready to keep working this offseason. [Stars]

Over at The Hockey Writers, Jordan Dix takes a look at which general managers “get the most” out of their players. Unsurprisingly, Jim Nill is at the top of that category. [The Hockey Writers]

The Texas Stars signed versatile veteran Brandon DeFazio to an AHL contract. [Wrong Side of the Red Line]

If you missed the latest episode of Stars Sunday, don’t worry: You can listen to it right now.

Which Central Division teams are sitting pretty after their offseason acquisitions? [Today’s Slapshot]

The Maple Leafs are reportedly close to signing former Stars backup goalie Jhonas Enroth. [TSN]

This year, you’ll be able to catch a few NHL games on Twitter.

After signing Brayden Schenn to a 4-year deal with an $5.15 AAV, here’s what the Flyers‘ cap situation looks like. [Broad Street Hockey]

Petr Mrazek and the Red Wings are still headed toward an arbitration hearing on July 27, and Ben Scrivens is heading to the KHL. [Sportsnet]

Sharks winger Joel Ward writes about losing his dad and how hockey helped him move forward.

Oilers goalie Cam Talbot shares his thoughts on the upcoming season and a potential “C” for Connor McDavid. [Sportsnet]

And finally, as Taylor reminded us yesterday, Jason Spezza and Tyler Seguin stopped by the Rogers Cup.

Talking Points