Dallas Stars Daily Links: Steel Wheels

Even in a top-six role, Sam Steel justifies the team's faith in him. Lia Assimakopoulos takes a look at his latest Star turn.

The Dallas Stars lost two games in a row for the first time all season during their Finnish field trip. So it was a big relief to see them return to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over a Central Division competitor.

And the fact that their best performance came from a promoted fourth-liner is a commendation, not an indictment, of their organizational depth. It's time to give Sam Steel his flowers.

The 26-year-old has demonstrated his abilities as a two-way forward who can play up and down the lineup. Those skills made a big impact for the Stars in their homecoming game, writes The Dallas Morning News' Lia Assimakopolous:

That versatility was on display Thursday night, as Steel led all scorers with 2 points in the Stars' 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Steel, who typically plays on Dallas' fourth line, was elevated to its second line, which has been its best scoring line this year, to replace injured Mason Marchment. It was a nod to his strong start to the season, as he played left wing alongside Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin and helped that group keep up its scoring streak.

And if you want defense from your offense, he's got that, too:

Steel, who is known for being a two-way forward, also contributed to a solid defensive performance in which the Stars allowed just five shots on goal by the halfway point of the game. Steel played 2:29 on the penalty kill, which killed off Chicago's first three power plays before allowing a goal by Tyler Bertuzzi midway through the third period.

There's more at the DMN. [ SportsDayDFW ]

Stars Stuff

Also, Sam Elliott Steel looks pretty natural in that cowboy hat.

Is this Beast Mode? Pretty sure this is Beast Mode.

In On The #Kill Taker

So what happened on Murderers' Row last night?

The Nashville Predators can't seem to win for losing, so it's not a surprise that they took their ninth regulation loss of the season so far to the Florida Panthers, 6-2. [ Litter Box Cats ]

Don't look now, but Utah Hockey Club is moving in on a pre-Thanksgiving playoffs position. Their 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues puts them within one point of third place in the division. [ NHL ]

The Winnipeg Jets continue their near-unchecked opening streak, with a 1-0 shutout of the Colorado Avalanche earning them their 13th win in the first 14 games. [ Arctic Ice Hockey ]

And the Minnesota Wild grabbed a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, dampening the celebration of Macklin Celebrini's first multi-goal game. [ Pioneer Press ]

Around The Leagues

Big news from college hockey, as the NCAA officially opens its doors to players from the Canadian major juniors. Steven Ellis examines what this will mean for the players. [ Daily Faceoff ]

Are the NHL's biggest earners pulling their weight? You decide.

Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park, And Beautiful Boise

It's the weekend, and that means Texas Stars hockey for days – this time against the Manitoba Moose. And it's Military Appreciation Weekend, so they'll rock these Red Poppy sweaters in warm-up.

For tonight, though, all the action is in Boise, as the Idaho Steelheads take on the Savannah Ghost Pirates (Scooby-Doo costumes optional).

Nothing like an Otter highlight reel to make your day/week/life better. Enjoy.