Week in Review.

Sorry for putting the site on ice, Thanksgiving week was quite a hectic one for me. So instead of a game by game recap, here's a look at last week, as it will appear on the Richland Chronicle Website. Let's hope there aren't too many games on FSN+, because not getting to watch is getting pretty annoying.

Dallas Stars November 22-28

The Dallas Stars skated to a mediocre week, finishing 2-2-0 after playing three of four games on home ice.

The week began with promise on Monday, Nov. 23 as the Stars shut out the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0. Marty Turco stopped all 22 shots he faced for shutout number 38 on his career. This marked Dallas’ first back-to-back home wins this season.

"There's been a lot of talk about not winning two in a row," Turco said after the shutout. "We came out with an effort that deserved the win. We need to do that on a nightly basis."

The home momentum ended Wednesday, Nov. 25 when the Stars found themselves on the losing end of yet another shootout, this time to the St. Louis Blues, 4-3. Dallas proved they still have fight, battling back and scoring in the last minute of regulation to send the game into overtime and an eventual shoot-out. This marked the Blues’ first shoot-out victory and the Stars’ fifth loss in six tries. Had they converted those five losses into wins, the team would be sitting in second place in the Pacific Division.

"It's a big part of the game and we do put emphasis on it in practice," Dallas' James Neal said, referring to the team’s ability to win shoot-outs. "We've got to bear down and find a way to win that extra point. It's so big."

The woes continued as the Dallas Stars traveled back to Phoenix Friday, Nov. 27 for the second time this season to take on the Coyotes. The result was the same, a 5-2 loss. Dallas has been unable to score more than two goals in each match against the Coyotes this season, which former Stars coach, now Phoenix Coach Dave Tippett won’t complain about. The current Stars coach doesn’t feel the same way.

"They capitalized on the chances they got," Mark Crawford said after the loss. "Our impatience really showed. They got a couple of opportunities because we turned the puck over because of our impatience."

The ship’s course was corrected the next night though, as Dallas defeated the Tampa Bay Lighting 4-3 in overtime. This game had many familiar faces, since the Stars and Lightning made the big Brad Richards/Mike Smith trade two years ago. Dallas blew a two goal lead late, but Tom Wandell played the role of hero by scoring the game winner in over time.

"Had we not gutted it out and got that overtime goal, it would have been pretty disappointing," Stars captain Brenden Morrow said after the win.

The team is still struggling to find consistency, and we’re looking to build off this win in their next game.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Fight Off Your Demons

I have no idea why, but this game has given me an itch and the only way to scratch it is at the American Airlines Center. The season is a quarter of the way over and I still have yet to get out there. That should change soon. (Can't wait for Thanksgiving to be over, makes work insane) But I digress. Dallas beat New Jersey 5-3 in a game with the theme of "This is my house". They played some clips I'm guessing from a movie at the AAC (I could hear on tv but obviously not see) so it appears the organization is recognizing the issue of our lack of home ice advantage and is adressing it. The Stars could have easily rolled over and let the lead slip away; instead they buckled down and played a complete, solid game.

First Period
Brian Rolston opened the game by sliding the puck under Turco's pads. Warren Peters tied the game on his second career goal (first as a Star, previously with Calgary) by tipping a Robidas shot. Ribeiro and Robidas both added powerplay goals to put us up 3-1.
Second Period
Then things got interesting. After a poor first period, the Devils pulled Yann Danis to start the frame, sending arguably the best goaltender Martin Brodeur to man the pipes. I don't know about you, but I could hear Enter Sandman playing. (Like what I did there?) Things didn't bode well with the Stars giving up a second goal to Rolston and being held off the board, but they did get some great chances including a dinger on the powerplay.
Third Period
Travis Zajac tied the game, continuing to make our penalty kill look bad after finally looking decent on it. Then Dallas found it's fight. Tom Wandell gave us the lead back with a scrappy, keep wacking at it goal in tight on Brodeur. Robidas iced the cake with his second tally of the night, proving the Star's really can hang with the big dogs.


-So there are some crazy Devils fans here in Dallas. They had a row of guys dressed up as players in full uniform complete with a coach drawing up plays during breaks of play. Classic.
-Need a present for that special Stars fan? Why not the Holiday Hat Trick? Everyone loves the Snuggie...or at least making fun of it. I personally prefered the Razor Scooter they gave out one year, but the times they are a changin'.
-For music fans...
-Wednesday's game against the Blues is Brett Hull night.
Up Next
Tonight is the Holiday Classic (Carolina HurriCANES vs Dallas STARS; it's basically a play off of a Christmas tree, Star on top, candy Canes hanging on it) The Hurricanes have scoring trouble, so I'd like to think the Stars can keep the momentum rolling in a victory.

Statement?

Dallas comes out on top of Detroit 3-1 in a hard fought, well played game. Dallas has proved all season they can compete with the big dogs, yet for some reason struggle against the lower level teams. Alex Auld dazzled us again, and proved he's much better at giving Marty Turco an ocassional day off than being an every day starter.


First Period
Mike Ribeiro "scored" to get us the lead. I use that loosely because it was yet another fluke-y goal, charging the side of the net and banking it off a defender. We'll take goals however we can get them, but ideally it'd be nice to eliminate the flukes and concentrate on establishing an attack, since there wont be an out of place defenseman every time you have the puck but there will always be shots.
Second Period
Matt Niskanen rifled one from the blue line off the post to give us the two goal lead. Henrik Zetterberg pulled it to one by evading Richards and flipping it top shelf over Auld.
Third Period
I'm quick to criticize refs, regardless of who the call goes against. This time Detroit got screwed, as Brad May shoved the puck clearly over the line in the corner between Auld's skate and the net, but the ruling was that the whistle was blown, killing the play. I'm really surprised that it was still dissallowed despite going under review. Might have been wrong, but I wont complain. Loui Eriksson gave us some inssurance and the 3-1 win late in the third.

Bad Blood

Well apparently the Stars and Blue Jackets don't get along too well. How did I draw this conclusion? Maybe it was the three and a half fights in the first period? Maybe it was Neal getting kicked out of the game for nearly killing a guy? Who knows, but this game was ugly early and didn't clean up any. I want to blame this on playing a road game the night before, but great teams don't make excusses, they get things done. That being said, Columbus really is a pretty solid team this year, building off last season's success of the franchises first ever playoff berth.

First Period
Dallas gave up a power-play goal to the amazing Rick Nash on a very broken play with just a mess of players in front. They almost escaped the period down by just one, until a bad turnover resulted in Kristian Huselius scoring shorthanded with three tenths of a second left in the frame. Dallas had some great chances but the constant stopping for fights prevented much rhythm.
Second Period
One of the funniest things I've seen in a while was the Blue Jacket's penalty box to start this period. Five players. They had to wrap around inside it was so full. Then it turned ugly. James Neal rammed Derek Dorsett into the glass. Didn't seem like it was that hard of a hit, but the angle and where he hit is probably what caused the damage. Not gunna lie it probably hurt like hell and I feel for the guy (Jake once hit me in the side with the puck, not quite the same but still). To see what I'm talking about, click here. (In case it doesn't work, one of the videos on the side should suffice) Dallas gave up two more but then Modano rifled one in to pull it within three.
Third Period
During the intermission I anticipated a comeback. Not necessarily a victory, but at least the Stars getting back into it. I was rewarded with a scoreless third.


I've been meaning to talk about this for a while. The boards in the AAC really speak to me. My cell phone provider is AT&T. I hope to go to the University of North Texas. Dr. Pepper is pretty good. I love Chipotle. I drive a Ford. My insurance is with State Farm. I get stats from NHL.com. I buy stuff at Best Buy. I can relate to just about half the arena. Pretty sweet.

Up Next
Dallas hosts the New Jersey Devil's Saturday night at the AAC. Not many players remain from the Stars Stanley Cup loosing roster, but I'd like to think the new guy's remember what went down. The crowd should be into this match, look for the Stars to finally build off that and establish some sort of home ice advantage that they so desperately need.

Hello, Old Friend

Yet another game not widely televised due to college football. Not only did I not get to see TCU, but the Stars were left off Verizon as well. Perhaps they were doing us a favor though, seeing as Dallas lost this game to the Phoenix Coyotes 3-2. Former Stars coach Dave Tippett gets the last laugh in this one, although I can't believe it was too emotional just playing his old team. Now when he comes to Dallas...that will be a different story. I'd like to think he'll get a warm welcome from the crowd though; he never stepped on any toes, and his only fault was not making the playoffs last year.

No in depth analysis here due to the television debacle, but the overall feel to this game would be described as Phoenix having the extra pep in their step...er skate. Some of their new talent came through on the score card and Dallas just couldn't produce enough offense. Neal brought his shoot-out mindset to this game and hit the post on what could have tied the game towards the end. On a positive note, Mike Modano is starting to find his long lost scoring touch, having scored a goal in each of the past two games. Jere Lehtinen is battling injuries once again, and I'm starting to think he'll end up just like Zubov. Great in his prime, then later in his career can't stay healthy and slowly and quietly fades away...to Finland. The season is still relatively young, but the Stars are now ten points behind San Jose. I never thought we'd really contend for the division, but it would be nice to keep it close. As for getting back on the winning track, it doesn't bode well that our next match is against Detroit. Now the Red Wings have had some injuries this season and aren't on par with last season's Western Conference champions, but the Stars and Marty Turco have never played well up in the Joe. I'm not going to predict a score, but Ill say Detroit pulls this one off... Id be just fine with continuing to be wrong on these though.

View From Nick's Sports Grill

This was my first time watching a televised hockey game without sound (Although hearing five interceptions by Cutler was music to my ears, just not to my fantasy team). I drank root beer. Ate french fries, buffalo shrimp, and fried pickles. Enjoyed great company. Gave my number to an attractive waitress. All in all, a great night. Oh I almost forgot, the Stars finally won a shootout. I won't complain about the victory, but it must be taken with a grain of sand. Or is it salt. To be honest I have no idea how that phrase goes, not to mention what it means. But the point I'm trying to make is that it would have been very nice to win this one in regulation, that way division leading San Jose wouldn't have picked up a point. Either way, seven points behind is better than eight. This was a game where a mistimed bathroom break could ruin the game, since the scoring happened in two quick bursts.

First Period (0-0)
No Scoring
Second Period (0-2)
Pending my math, San Jose scored twice in a two minute and eleven second span, by Heatley and Clowe. Heatley was San Jose's big off season move, and he's paying dividends already.
Third Period (2-2)
Let the flukes begin. James Neal returned to the lineup tonight, giving the team a much needed spark. Interestingly enough, it wasn't with his wicked shooting ability or heavy hitting. Instead, he shot the puck off a defender's skate, popping it into the air and into the net. Modano kept the good times going a minute and forty five seconds later (pending my math) by (finally) scoring his first of the season.
Shootout (3-2)
Marty Turco topped off a great game with some great saves in the shootout, showing the world he has one of the best poke checks in the league. Neal hit the post for I believe the third shoot out in a row. What Dallas needed was a hero. Who would answer the call? Morrow? Ribeiro? Richards? Nay, the man who came through was Stephane Robidas, successful in his first ever penalty shot. Why did Crawford pick him to shoot? Beats me. Maybe he just wanted to change it up. Either way, we got the second point. Hooray.


Up Next:
The Stars travel to Phoenix to take on the Coyotes in yet another big game. No, they aren't too scary of a team, the drama is in the coach. Good ole Dave Tippett faces his former team for the first time since departing. I'll take Dallas over Phoenix in a close game, 3-2

Southern Stars

Dallas fell to Minnesota 3-2 Saturday November 7. The Stars were outplayed by a mile in the first period, but came back to keep it competitive despite the loss. From what I remember (sorry about being a little late) the game got pretty scrappy towards the end, so this series could shape up to be the rivalry it should be. The Wild sold out the Xcel Energy Center, so let's hope when they come down here January 18. Also, the season ends with Dallas playing Minnesota...the season is young, but who knows, maybe a playoff birth could be on the line. Hello late season drama.

First Period (0-2)
Dallas gave up their first shorthanded goal of the season which I guess was inevitable.
Second Period (2-3)
The Stars came back thanks to Ericksson scoring two power-play goals on the elite Minnesota penalty kill, but in the end the Wild get the last laugh by taking the lead back and not glancing in their rear view mirror.
Third Period (2-3)
No scoring

-James Neal skated and should be back for tonight's game against San Jose. I'd give him my nod for current MVP of the team. He skates hard, keeps his feet moving, delivers hits, scores goals, etc. Everything you could ask for.


Up Next:
As I mentioned earlier, Dallas is in San Jose tonight. Suddenly this becomes a pretty big early season match up, as the Stars look up at the Sharks in the standings (currently eight points behind). No way the Stars loose this game after having nearly a week off, regardless of how good San Jose is. Give me Dallas over San Jose, 5-3

Shots For Everyone

I seem to remember Wayne Gretzky saying something about missing 100% of the shots you don't take. Crawford must have mentioned that to the team during warm ups, because Dallas has 47 shots on goal in tonight's 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Everyone had a shot, from Benn to Wandell, led by Morrow with eight. The Stars pelted rookie Cory Schneider all night, who played well considering how many saves he made, but Marty Turco out dueled him, stopping 32 of 33 for his fourth win of the season. Dallas' healthy stretch lasted all of one game, since James Real Deal Neal missed last night's contest due to a groin injury (listed as day to day).

First Period (0-0)
No Scoring
Second Period (0-1)
Brad Richards opened the scoring with a tight shot top shelf stick side.
Third Period (1-2)
Brenden Morrow gets the game winner since Mason Raymond scored not too long after.

-Marty Turco continues to play well, which the team needs since they aren't lighting the lamp as much as they could.
-Dallas played a disciplined game, only taking two penalties towards the end of the game.
-My last post was very AP style since I decided to practice some for how I'll write for school.

Up Next:
Dallas takes on Minnesota tonight, in a match up I always enjoy watching. I'm hoping the rivalry of New/Old Minnesota heats up. The Wild aren't the greatest this year, so I'll take Dallas over Minny 4-2

The Game That Should Have Been

Seemingly every day NHL players get put on the Injured Reserve list or are simply scratched from games due to some type of injury. That being said, this game between the Dallas Stars (6-3-6) and Calgary Flames (8-4-1) was played between two fully healthy teams (all scratches were healthy scratches).

This was a fast paced game resulting in Dallas losing 3-2 to the Flames in Overtime to send the Stars to their third straight loss.

A scoreless first period was dragged down by six penalties (four on Calgary, two on Dallas). Each team had their chances and breakaways, but neither produced any tallies.

Despite a slow start, things began to pick up in the second period. Calgary captain and former Star Jarome Iginla opened the scoring with a goal on an out of place Marty Turco, who returned to action tonight after missing the weekend games due to the flu.

Brenden Morrow failed to tie the game after being awarded a penalty shot on a tripping call by Adam Pardy.

Dallas finally got on the board early in the third after James Neal scored his team leading ninth goal of the season. Loui Eriksson added another to make it 2-1, which looked to be the game winner until Daymond Langkow scored in the final minute to send the game into overtime.

Roughly a minute into the overtime, Nicklas Grossman was whistled for delay of game despite being in the neutral zone. Calgary won the game after the ensuing face off on Iginla's second goal of the game.

"In overtime and 4-on-3, you're just trying to set up the umbrella," Iginla said after the game. "I could see Olli in front. I was thinking if I just got it by him, it could have a chance to go in. I didn't even see how it went."

Clouded by the bad call in overtime, this game was a solid goaltending match between Turco and Curtis McElhinney. No one would have predicted a low scoring game between two of the four highest scoring teams in the league.

Dallas is adapting well to the changes made by coach Mark Crawford.

"We did what we wanted to do against Calgary; we got the puck behind the defense, we really exposed the defense," Crawford said. "I thought they were on their heels the better part of the night. We generated a number of power play opportunities. I thought we were the better club in terms of chances generated by a long shot."

Dallas looks to rebound Friday night against the Vancouver Canucks (9-7-0).

*Photo and quotes from the Associated Press*

It's Video Time

*Music by Explosions In The Sky* Even though you couldn't really hear it, it was playing.

So this would have been much better had my camera not cut off early every time I filmed it. The Stars are falling, but it's early in the season so it's not too big of a deal (yet).

As promised, here's the Wild View from Section 216

Questions, Comments, Suggestions? Let me know.