Posted by admin on 26th, 2009
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No, there wont be any dancing involved and barring some strange twilight zone scenario you probably wont see any telescopes either. There will be Stars though.
For hardcore Dallas Stars fans this year has been pretty hard to watch, in fact possibly one of the hardest in recent years. From the get-go this has been a year when the Stars simply were not meant to go super-nova. It all started right back at the start of the season when Brett Hull announced with a big smile on his face that the team signed Sean Avery to a contract worth twice his value for years double what you’d think right through and continued til recently when Brad Richards broke his wrist, only to break the OTHER one on his first game back! Losing Captain Brendan Morrow sure didn’t help with the teams grand plans either, nor did Zubov being out for all but 10 games and a multitude of other injuries to players like Lehtinen, Parrish & Brunnstrom. In fact at recent count over 300 man hours of games have been lost to injuries this season.
This season’s Dallas Stars remind me of the old nursery rhyme… “Twinkle Twinkle little star, how i wonder what you are”.
Who are you? Or, to be more accurate, what are you expected to be?
Brad Richards injury had the team turning to Mike Modano to fill his role. All of a sudden the 38 year old who has spent much of the past 2 seasons on the 3rd line as a checking center was expected to play 22+ minutes on the 2nd line and do so like he was in his prime. Forgive me, but while Mike is a legend and still one of the best in the game, he’s not the guy he was when the Stars won the cup in ‘99.
The blue line suffered all year long with rookie mistakes, lackluster performances and a vast constellation of turnovers, pun intended. It’s no wonder either considering you have Stephane Robidas and Nicklas Grossman expected to play #1 Defenseman minutes with the same skill, tenacity and patience that Zubov delivered.
All that aside, mediocre defensive performances and less “punchy” top lines can still win games. Afterall, the last line of defense is none other than “the wall”, Marty Turco. Surely after his standout performances in last years playoffs he could help carry this depleted & fatigued to a playoff spot. Right? Normally, yes but it would appear at some time between game 1 and game 71 of this season Marty Turco forgot how to stop pucks on a consistent basis. With no quality back-up goalie to challenge Marty for the net, it appears even Marty forgot who he is.
What a year! Many Stars fans will be happier when this season ends than they were when Sean Avery got the boot out of big D.
What now? Clearly this team needs a change. The Two-Headed Snake of Brett Hull and Les Jackson did not impress fans when they failed to deliver a #1 defenseman at the trade deadline, instead opting to get Brenden Morrison to replace Brad Richards. An ok move, but not one that really helped this struggling team.
The off season is now the focus for many Stars fans. What will this team get? What do they need? Who will stay or go? Here are some interesting points to ponder…
Sergei Zubov and Jere Lehtinen’s contracts are both up this year. Both are top players if they’re not injured. Is the risk too much to re-sign them? I believe both are worth keeping hold of if the price is right. Neither of these guys are able to ask for big contracts due to their ongoing injuries, but the cost of not re-signing them could be too high.
Mike Modano has another year on his contract but many fans believe he’s done and should retire. I disagree. Age slows him down, but doesn’t deaden his passion. The team should not rely on Mike to be the player he was 10 years ago.
Even if Zubov returns, he’s no longer able to be relied on as the #1 defenseman. Should the Stars make a post season trade to get a Bouwmeester, Kaberle or Redden?
With Brian Sutherby getting a contract extension, does that mean Joel Lundqvist is one the way out? Maybe we could send him to the Rangers in a deal to bring Redden here. Brothers unite!
Marty Turco no longer has a NTC i believe after his dismall play this year, so could the team look to ship him out?
If i were to make just one change to the current Dallas Stars system, it would be this. I would remove Brett Hull from the GM position and put him somewhere else. While the co-GM situation was great for a while, the Sean Avery incident proved that Brett Hull is not, and possibly never will be a good General Manager of an NHL team.
I leave you with this thought. If the Dallas Stars had never signed Sean Avery, how do you believe the team would look right now?
Posted by admin on 11th, 2009
News and events:
- 1 year on from the accident that almost ended his NHL career, Richard Zednik put up 2 goals in the Panthers 5-4 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- As predicted, the Dallas Stars waived Sean Avery to the AHL yesterday. The New York Rangers have agreed to take him on in their farm team, the Hartford Wolf Pack. Many believe the Rangers may agree to take Avery off re-entry waivers if he performs well in Hartford.
- Andy McDonald returned to the Ice today after a 36 game break due to a fractured leg, and did so with a 2 point outing, putting up a goal and an assist in the Blues 6-4 loss to the Vancouver Canucks.
- Coyotes hope to end slide against the re-hot Stars as the struggling team travel to Dallas today.
- Boston Bruins lose Petteri Nokelainen and Chuck Kobawew to injuries after todays 5-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks. Nokelainen was high-sticked by Shark’s Dan Boyle and immediate left the ice. Boyle did not receive a penalty on the play. Kobasew left he ice early with an apparent leg injury.
- St Louis Blues LW Paul Kariya underwent a second surgery on his hip today. It is unsure if he will return this season.
- Toronto Maple Leafs put Mike Van Ryn on IR today. Van Ryn had an MRI Monday, but no major damage was found. The team is purported to be playing it safe.
Video of the day:
Photo of the day:
St. Louis Blues‘ Chris Mason, right, shoves Vancouver
Canucks‘ Steve Bernier away from the crease in the
third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 10,
2009, in St. Louis. The Canucks beat the Blues 6-4.
ice hockey, hockey, nhl, san jose sharks, boston bruins, sean avery, dallas stars, sports, winter sports
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Posted by admin on 17th, 2008
News
- Avery NOT in Substance Abuse ProgramClassic
Contrary to a published report, Sean Avery has not been put into Stage 1 of the joint NHL-NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Modification Program. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen at some point in the near future, perhaps in a matter of days or weeks. (The Full Story on TSN)
- Bettman: Avery’s words “disgusting & Offensive”
The Dallas Stars have made the best of a bad situation by cutting loose disgraced winger Sean Avery, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday. “They’re supportive of him getting the counselling he’s getting, they’re continuing to pay his contract, and I think it became obvious that that was an uncomfortable situation for everybody, so they’ve all decided to move on,” he said. “I think that was a very professional way to handle it.” (The Full Story on TSN)
- Hordichuk meant no offense towards Linden
Rugged Vancouver forward Darcy Hordichuk says he meant no disrespect toward Trevor Linden when he made a reference to the former Canuck captain in a recent interview. (The Full Story on TSN)
- Forsberg hopes for post-season return
Peter Forsberg says he wants to try the NHL one more time. According to the Denver Post, Forsberg hopes to participate in the 2009 NHL playoffs, and he would like to do so in a Colorado jersey. (The Full Story on TSN)
Suspensions:
Trades & Transactions:
- Fredrik Norrena (G – Columbus) Demoted to AHL (Syracuse, NY)
Injuries:
- Nathan Horton (C – Panthers) Ankle. Should return Tuesday.
- Ryan Whitney (D – Pittsburgh) Should return next week.
Rumours & Gossip (from spectorshockey.net):
- Bob McCown reported yesterday Mats Sundin has decided to join the New York Rangers. McCown’s source – said to be close to the situation – believes the decision will be made public later this week.
- (Read more at spectorshockey.net)
Scores:
- Washington 5 – 4 NY Islanders (Overtime)
- Colorado 2 – 5 Philadelphia
- New Jersey 2 – 3 Toronto (Shootout)
- Montreal 2 – 3 Carolina
- Atlanta 4 – 1 Ottawa
- Phoenix 1 – 2 Dallas (Overtime)
- Calgary 6 – 3 St louis
- Chicago 9 – 2 Edmonton
- NY Rangers 3 – 1 Anaheim
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
Posted by admin on 15th, 2008
News
- Avery & Stars Part Ways
Even with his six-game suspension being over, troubled Stars forward Sean Avery will not be returning to Dallas. The Stars said on Sunday that representatives for both Avery and the team said they would continue to work together in support of Avery during “this critical time” for the player. (The Full Story on TSN)
- Sundin meets with Rangers Brass
Sundin, who took in Saturday night’s encounter between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils in a private box, met with Rangers brass following the game. (The Full Story on TSN)
- Coyotes McGrattan enters NHLPA Drug Program
Phoenix Coyotes forward Brian McGrattan has voluntarily entered stage 1 of the NHL and NHL Players Association Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program it was announced on Saturday. (The Full Story on TSN)
Suspensions:
Trades & Transactions:
- The Dallas Stars acquired center Brian Sutherby from the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday for center David McIntyre and a conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2010. (The Full Story on Yahoo!)
Injuries:
- Jeremy Roenick (C – San Jose) IR. Out 3-4 weeks with shoulder injury.
Rumours & Gossip (from spectorshockey.net):
- The Dallas Stars have reportedly had talks with the Rangers about a possible deal that would see Sean Avery dealt back to the Big Apple in exchange for struggling d-man Michal Rozsival. Avery would be demoted to the minors until he addressed his anger management issues.
- Al Strachan noted speculation the Vancouver Canucks might try to sign both Marian Gaborik and Marian Hossa next summer to have them join Pavol Demitra and thus off-set the potential loss of the Sedin Twins to free agency.
- Bill Watters claimed Panthers forward Nathan Horton is unhappy playing for Jacques Martin in Florida, even noting a rumor Horton might consider retiring but could give it another try after this season but preferably with another NHL team.
- (Read more at spectorshockey.net)
Scores:
- Columbus 1 – 3 Chicago
- Minnesota 2 – 4 Anaheim
- Florida 3 – 5 Vancouver
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
Posted by admin on 10th, 2008
News
- Quinn denies report Sabres are looking for a buyer
Buffalo Sabres minority owner Larry Quinn denied a report on Monday saying majority owner Tom Golisano is looking to sell the NHL club. A story to be released in Western New York Hockey magazine later this week says – citing an unnamed source – that talks are in the exploratory stage and that Golisano is listening to offers. The story adds that Quinn is actively looking to find a buyer, and that Research in Motion co-founder Jim Balsillie has been approached. (The Full Story on TSN)
- Hicks meets with front office Wednesday to discuss Avery’s future.
Sean Avery’s fate with the Dallas Stars could be decided as soon as Wednesday. And it doesn’t sound too good for the NHL’s super pest. The team’s brass will meet on Wednesday afternoon and discuss the Avery situation in depth. (The Full Story on TSN)
- Canadiens skate for first time in new practice facility
BROSSARD, Que. – It is a nondescript glass and brick building by a highway in a particularly soulless part of the suburbs, but the Montreal Canadiens love it. (The Full Story on TSN)
Suspensions:
- Blackhawk’s Versteeg suspended, Quenneville fined
Chicago Blackhawks rookie forward Kris Versteeg has been suspended for one game and head coach Joel Quenneville fined $10,000 for Versteeg being assessed an instigator penalty in the final seconds of last night’s 7-1 win over Phoenix. (The Full Story on TSN)
Trades & Transactions:
Injuries:
- Stephane Yelle (C – Bruins) Left game early with an upper body injury after colliding with an official.
- Marco Sturm (Bruins) Will not play Monday against the Lightning, the Boston Globe reports.
- Marc-Andre Fleury (G – Penguins) Practiced with the team on Monday for the first time since getting hurt back on Nov. 15
- Roberto Luongo (G – Canucks) Should return Saturday Vs the Oiles.
Rumours & Gossip (from spectorshockey.net):
- Minnesota have demoted C Krys Kolanos, possibly in anticipation of Gaborik’s return.
- James Gordon reports Florida Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester remains noncommittal over his future and if his plans include the Panthers. The Senators are rumored to be a potential destination for Bouwmeester if the Panthers shop him.
- Bob McKenzie reports the Mats Sundin sweepstakes have entered its final week, with Sundin expected to make a decision by December 15th. It’s believed Vancouver, Montreal, Chicago and the NY Rangers are the prime candidates for his services.
Scores:
- Tampa Bay 3 – 5 Boston
- Buffalo 4 – 3 Pittsburgh
- Florida 4 – 3 Ottawa (Overtime)
- NY Islanders 2 – 4 Toronto
- Nashville 3 – 6 St. Louis
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
Posted by admin on 6th, 2008
Avery Alert: With so much news surrounding the Sean Avery situation, our new section “Avery Alert” will bring you all the news comments you need in one handy location. Don’t worry though, this section will only last a short time and will stop once we all get sick off hearing about Avery.
- NHLPA Plans to file grievance on Avery suspension
The National Hockey League Players Association is planning on grieving Sean Avery’s 6-game suspension. The PA believes NHL commissioner Gary Bettman handed down a summary suspension before the hearing, constituting a violation of the collective bargaining agreement. The CBA suggests for off-ice discipline a hearing must take place before action is taken. (The Full Story on TSN)
News
- Wild keeping Gillies from World Juniors
While Team Canada’s December camp roster for the World Junior Hockey Championship has room for additions, forward Colton Gillies will not be one of them. (The Full Story on TSN)
- Wilson puts struggling leafs through early morning skate
For most NHL teams taking a road trip through a warm and sunny locale, a round of golf is usually on the schedule. But for a Toronto Maple Leafs club that dropped two of three games after a humiliating loss to the Phoenix Coyotes, it’s a good ol’ fashioned bag skate. (The Full Story on TSN)
- Can the Stars start fresh without Avery?
While it has been made clear that the Dallas Stars aren’t interested in getting Sean Avery back in their lineup anytime soon — if at all — are there any other opportunities that might work with other teams around the NHL? (The Full Story on TSN)
- Canucks GM Gillis believes Sundin decision imminent
As Mats Sundin continues to ponder his future, Canucks general Mike Gillis is once again attempting to convince the Maple Leafs all-time leading scorer that Vancouver should be his destination of choice. (The Full Story on TSN)
Trades & Transactions:
Injuries:
- Sam Gagner (C – Oilers) Day-to-Day with concussion.
- Owen Nolan (RW – Wild) Day-to-Day with lower body injury.
- Robert Nilsson (LW – Oilers) Placed on Injured Reserve.
Rumours & Gossip:
- Possible trade locations for Avery?
Could there be a trade involving Sean Avery? An article allegedly from TSN lists 5 teams who could provide possible trade locations for the forward. All would involve long term contracts that have not paid off; Dustin Penner (LW – Oilers), Jason Blake (LW – Maple Leafs), Radim Vrbata (RW – Lightning), Rostislav Olesz (LW – Panthers) & Sergei Samsonov (LW, Hurricanes).
Scores:
- Calgary 4 – 3 St Louis (Overtime)
- Vancouver 2 – 1 Minnesota
- Dallas 2 – 1 Colorado (shootout)
- Edmonton 5 – 4 Los Angeles (Shootout)
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
Posted by admin on 6th, 2008
Avery Alert: With so much news surrounding the Sean Avery situation, our new section “Avery Alert” will bring you all the news comments you need in one handy location. Don’t worry though, this section will only last a short time and will stop once we all get sick off hearing about Avery.
- Avery gets 6 game suspension
The National Hockey League came down hard on Dallas Stars superpest Sean Avery Thursday, handing him a six-game suspension for making inappropriate public comments prior to the Stars’ game in Calgary on Tuesday. (The Full Story on TSN)
News
- Burke offers front office job to Nonis
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke has made an attempt to strengthen his front office, offering Dave Nonis the position of Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations. (The Full Story on TSN)
Trades & Transactions:
Injuries:
- Raffi Torres (LW -Blue Jackets) Out 4-6 weeks after knee surgery.
- Patrick Kaleta (RW – Sabres) Placed on indefinite IR.
- Brad Lukowich (D – Sharks) Left game early with lower body injury.
Rumours & Gossip:
- Havlat on the block?
After recent changes which ended up with Martin Havlat being demoted to the teams 3rd line, speculation suggests the Hawks could be looking to move him at some stage.
Scores:
- New Jersey 3 – 2 Philadelphia (Overtime)
- Pittsburgh 5 – 2 Carolina
- NY Islanders 2 – 5 Washington Capitals
- NY Rangers 2 – 6 Montreal Canadiens
- Boston 3 – 1 Tampa Bay
- Vancouver 5 – 6 Detroit
- Buffalo 1 – 2 Florida
- Colorado 2 – 3 Nashville
- Toronto 3 – 6 Phoenix
- Columbus 2 – 3 San Jose
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
Posted by admin on 4th, 2008
Avery Alert: With so much news surrounding the Sean Avery situation, our new section “Avery Alert” will bring you all the news comments you need in one handy location. Don’t worry though, this section will only last a short time and will stop once we all get sick off hearing about Avery.
- Avery to meet with Bettman and the NHL Thursday.
The date of the hearing has been set; this Thursday. Avery will travel to New York to face the NHL. Stars co-GM Brett Hull is said to be traveling with Avery. (The Full Story on TSN)
- No Way Out For Avery
Ross McKeon of Yahoo! Sports breaks down the Avery situation and explains that there may be no way for Avery to come out of this in a good position. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
- Avery Apologises to NHL, Team, Ex’s
Avery’s publicist wasted no time in drafting a well written apology. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
- NHL Suspends Avery Indefinitely
After making the “sloppy seconds” comment, the NHL quickly jumped in and indefinitely suspended the agitator. (The Full Story on TSN)
News
- Fan injured in fall at Senators game
A male fan was injured at Scotiabank Place on Wednesday during the Ottawa Senators’ 5-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers after falling from the top level of the arena. The man, who Senators president Roy Mlakar stated was not inebriated, originally fell over in row D of the 300 level. He then plummeted into row D of the 200 level, falling on a woman who also sustained injuries. Mlakar believes the man was not seriously hurt. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
- Canes Sack Peter Laviolette
Carolina fired Peter Laviolette on Wednesday. The Hurricanes brought back Paul Maurice to take over as coach, and moved assistant general manager Ron Francis behind the bench as Maurice’s associate coach. Laviolette led the team to the 2006 Stanley Cup title. He’s the career victory leader among U.S.-born coaches.
Trades & Transactions:
- Anaheim acquired defenseman Logan Stephenson from Phoenix on Wednesday for left wing Joakim Lindstrom. Stephenson will report to Iowa of the AHL.
Injuries:
- Brian Rolston (NJ Devils) – Expected back thursday.
- Joe Sakic (C – Avalanche) Expected to miss 6 weeks.
- Marian Gaborik (Wild) Not yet ready to return.
Rumours & Gossip:
- What to do with Avery?
Rumours are ripe that Avery has played his last game in a Stars jersey. If that’s the case, there are a few options the team has, which include: Demoting him to the minors, buying out his contract, looking for a trade, or going through legal channals to void his contract. Either way, if it’s true that Avery is on the out, this could mean a very positive thing for the team.
- Havlat on the block?
After recent changes which ended up with Martin Havlat being demoted to the teams 3rd line, speculation suggests the Hawks could be looking to move him at some stage.
Scores:
- Pittsburgh Penguins 2 – 3 NY Rangers (Shootout)
- Atlanta Thrashers 1 – 5 Ottawa Senators
- St Louis Blues 0 – 4 Minnesota Wild
- Anaheim Ducks 2 – 4 Chicago Blackhawks
- Dallas Stars 2 – Edmonton Oilers 5
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
