Smarter Hockey = Winning Games

Did you realize that Dallas has not given up more than one power play goal in a game since before the All Star break? How about only allowing four power play goals in the last 37 attempts by the opponents we have faced since the break? Turco and now more importantly Smitty are a big part of why that number is as low as it is. You would think we would have the top penalty killing unit in the NHL right now and maybe we do, but we still sit 11th overall. And it doesn’t start with goaltending, credit the rest of the team for stepping up to block shots, lift sticks and heavy pressure on the teams who get that man advantage at least twice in a game. Also notice that in the eight games we have played, we have only been penalized the 37 times which comes out less than four per game. Two of the seven contests we only gave up two minors so also credit the team for not taking those mental penalties in the games.

That brings me to my next point which is why I think the Stars are playing better hockey now then they have been all year. Look back at the Anaheim game when Jussi scores the lone goal on the power play, then at the Colorado game when we have seven different goal scorers and eleven different assisters not counting the multi-point players like Halpern, Ribeiro, Boucher and Lehtinen. Then look at the difference between the two teams. I sat and watched the Colorado Anaheim game last night and Colorado won the game 2-0 on 29 shots while Anaheim threw 39 at Budaj and couldn’t get one past, much like the 32 shots thrown at Smitty on Saturday. We know when we play teams like Anaheim that it is going to be a close game. The three games we have played Colorado have also been close but have been higher scoring. We had an offensive rush for the first time in a long time and I hope it continues for the rest of the season. 30+ shots on net, physical precedence, smart passes and great offensive rushes resulting in goals will excel this team to the top and past the first round of the playoffs! Keep it up boys, you’re looking good!!

NHL Ads, New Players and what goalie controversy?

I haven't had time the past 3 weeks to really post as much as I've wanted to. I've had plenty of ideas, but the job that pays the bills has had me too busy to actually make the posts. So here I am with a quick summary of what's been going on in my mind.

NHL Ads
This year the NHL has been pushing their "Just like you, and really good at hockey" campaign. In their troubles they've really come up with some comical ads - here's a couple of the recent ones that have made me laugh (one even includes Marty):

New Player(s)
I say this in the plural form because between contract extensions, injuries & actual new players the team seems to be growing. First and foremost, we obviously have a few guys off injury, namely Modano, making a difference. Second we got a great contract extension, 2 years worth $2m for Mike Smith. Smitty has been great when he's played this year, and now that he's healthy again as well we'll be seeing more of him. I'm glad to see next year we go into the season knowing who our goalies are. Lastly, and certainly not least, we had a trade.

Tippett and Hicks showed their hands early this year, as they have done in the past, and made a trade for the Playoffs ... Mathias Tjarnqvist has played well in the few games he was up in Dallas and shown that he's going to be a worthy player in the NHL. However, it won't be for us. Tjarnqvist was traded to division foe Phoenix for an offensive player who, on his new line with Modano & Lehtinen, is sure to help us get more goals ... and seeing Dallas Sunday with 7 goals? Yeah, I have confidence in the playoffs this year. For those of you concerned, this was the right move for Tjarnqvist too. I don't think he had his heart set to be in Dallas, so I don't think there is any love lost, and in Phoenix he has the chance to become one of the stars on a (going to be) young and growing team. As for the concerns over Nagy, and there are many of them, I say screw it. He has the history of being a +20 goal scorer twice in his career, and with the right team can be again. Jere & Mo are a great combination, and with another goal scorer by their side this line is going to be very dangerous.

Goalie controversy
Bugger off. This is a media story, and only a media story. Marty has a history with this team of being a strong player ... one of the best honestly. He just played 23 straight games before Smitty rescued him in 2 of these last 3 games (some would argue he rescued him in all 3). 23 straight games of 80 to 100 mile an hour pucks flying at his head. We're lucky he took it as well as he did. Yes, Smith has a LOT of promise, but he's still a rookie. He will be here until Marty retires, and then he'll be here after that. This isn't about who is the starter, as Tippett has said, if the playoffs started today against Detroit Turco would be in goal. So big media, stop pestering our boys with your headline news that means nothing. Let them concentrate on playing the game. Cover them, but don't pester them. Goalie controversy ... bah!