Mark Stepneski's notes on today's morning skate....

http://starsinsideedge.com/2013/01/1...rs-vs-coyotes/

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Another example of why the man is a legend. Four points for Jagr, and a win for the Stars.

Before I delve in, I want to say that these first few game recaps are going to be fairly simple affairs. I have to retrain myself to look at, and for, things I never did before when I watch a game. In the past I watched the game in a fairly laid back, casual way. I caught myself defaulting back to that several times tonight, but it should be a quick fix.

Ok, let's look at the game tonight. I liked the energy the Stars came out with. There were some rough edges, but with only a one week camp and no exhibition games, that was to be expected.

In spite of the 2 PP goals, I thought the PK looked good. They had to kill five penalties in the space of eight minutes, on two of those occasions they took another penalty less than 20 seconds after they either killed one or were scored on. They did get it together and killed off that fifth penalty, but the damage had been done on the scoreboard, down 2-1. Like I said, aside from the two PK where they were obviously gassed and got scored on the PK looked good. That was just a hell of a tough spot to put any PK unit in.

Another positive was the PP, 2-for-4. The top PP unit, which was Morrow, Whitney, Jagr, Goli, and Robidas, potted both goals. I know it's just one game, but signs of life, right?

Overall I thought they played with a good rhythm for having such a short time and no exhibition games together. The forecheck was in the Yotes face all night and setup at least two of the four goals. The D can still use some work, Jordie Benn's turnover which led to the Vrbata goal was just ugly, but I thought they did alright on the whole. We'll know more as the next few games go by and they start to gel, and hopefully get Benn the Younger, back in the fold.

A solid effort all around and the season kicks off with 2 points in the bank.

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Yeah liking the start by Robidas - have him on all of my teams so hopefully that PP can continue to be successful throughout the season. As in recent years, he's not shooting though (ok it's one game but perhaps a trend). Do you think that could change or is he primarily a setup guy these days?

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Curious about your take on Chiasson - his numbers this year haven't been very encouraging. Next year could you see him being anywhere near the NHL (if ever - and I would assume any time up this season is a pipe dream)?

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I see him being more of a setup guy, with Goli being in the shooter role. If he plays the full 48, I would look for around 55 shots from him. I think we'll have a better read on how much they're going to let him fire away over the next couple of games though.

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His numbers are a little off, but it's nothing to get too worried about yet. I think the lockout and resulting NHL players down in the AHL kind of skewed things a bit. The last two nights he's put up 3G 2A, though he's only been even on +/- for those two games.

If he can finish out the season strong I do see him getting a look in camp next season. I see him making it to the big club at some point, but the remainder of this season will tell a more complete story as to whether it's next year or 2014. Now's his time to show what he can do.

As far as this season, yeah I don't see it happening unless there's a rash of injuries, knock on wood.

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Cool - thanks. Yeah the next week or so should give us a better indication on how he'll produce across the board. Point-wise, assuming he's still given plenty of PP opportunity (we'll see what happens when Benn returns) I'd be quite happy if he could get another 20 points for the rest of the season (22 in 48 - 37 over a full season). Time will tell.

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I'd say 20 is possible but maybe the high end. He's only had a 30+ pace twice in his career, albeit not that far back, but I'd expect closer to 15 the rest of the way.

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Yeah that's my optimistic projection given ample PP time. Three years ago he had 41 points with top PP time so I thought I'd drop that down a peg. But even 15 the rest of the way (17/48 or 29 over a full season) is not too bad. PP time is key - I don't see why he can't get back to 35ish pace with that opportunity. However, you know more than I do.

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Mike Heika is reporting that Nihlstorp will be making his NHL debut tonight against the Wild. Sounds like a baptism by fire.

Also from Heika, Reilly Smith is flying in today to catch up with the team. Had some dental work done after taking a puck in the mouth last night. No word yet whether it will keep him out. Colton Sceviour would likely be his replacement if he's unable to go.

First chance to see if they can address the back-to-back demons that haunted them last season.

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