NHL Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs (15-5-6) at Dallas Stars (14-6-5)

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TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS NOTES:

LAST GAME
Score: Toronto 3 at Tampa Bay 4 – OTL
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
TOR Goals: Marner (SH), Nylander, Marner (PP)
TBL Goals: Namestnikov, Kucherov, Colton, Killorn (OTW)
TOR Goaltender: Murray, 29/33, .879 SV%
TBL Goaltender: Vasilevskiy, 36/39, .923 SV%
TOR Power Play: 1-for-5
TOR Penalty Kill: 4-for-6
Player Notes: – Mitch Marner scored shorthanded for the Maple Leafs during the
second period and added a power play goal in the third period. Marner
extended his point streak to 19 games where he has posted 26 points
(9G, 17A). With a 19-game point streak, Marner set a new franchise
record for the longest point streak during a single season. Marner has
scored in five-consecutive games (6G). Marner recorded the fifth
shorthanded goal of his NHL career.

  • Auston Matthews posted the primary assist on William Nylander’s
    goal. Matthews extended his point streak to five games where he has
    posted seven points (3G, 4A).
  • Michael Bunting registered the secondary assist on Nylander’s goal.
    Bunting extended his point streak to five games where he has
    recorded six assists. Bunting tied the longest assist streak of his NHL
    career, which he has recorded on two occasions both during the 2021-
    22 season.
  • The Maple Leafs are 1-6 in overtime this season.
  • The Maple Leafs have collected at least one point through their last 11
    games (8-0-3) and have earned at least one point through their last
    eight road games (6-0-2).

TONIGHT’S GAME
2022-23 Matchups vs. Dallas: Second of Two
2021-22 Record vs. Dallas: 2-0-0
Toronto Season Record: 15-5-6
Toronto Road Record: 7-3-3

TONIGHT’S STORYLINES
The Maple Leafs will take on the Dallas Stars tonight in the second of two matchups between the clubs
this season. Toronto earned a 3-2 overtime win in their first game of the season against the Stars on Oct.
20 at Scotiabank Arena. The Maple Leafs have won four-straight road games against Dallas and have
won seven of their last 10 road matchups. Entering tonight’s game, the Maple Leafs have collected at
least one point through their last 11 games (8-0-3) and at least one point through their last eight road
games (6-0-2).

NEXT GAME
Date: Thursday, December 8, 2022
Opponent: vs. Los Angeles Kings
Time: 7:00 pm ET
Broadcast Information: TSN4 (TV), TSN 1050 (Radio)

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
December 4, 2022 The Maple Leafs have recalled forward Semyon Der-Arguchintsev from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).

November 30, 2022 The Maple Leafs have activated goaltender Ilya Samsonov from injured reserve. Goaltender Erik Källgren has been loaned to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).

November 23, 2022 The Maple Leafs acquired defenceman Conor Timmins in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes.

INJURY REPORT
Jordie Benn Upper Body (IR)
TJ Brodie Oblique (IR)
Carl Dahlström Shoulder (IR)
Calle Järnkrok Groin (IR)
Jake Muzzin Neck (LTIR)
Morgan Rielly Knee (LTIR)

ALL-TIME VS. DALLAS STARS
First Matchup between Clubs: November 11, 1967 (Toronto 1 vs. Minnesota 2)
All-Time Record: 100-92-28-1 (221 Games)
All-Time Record at Home: 57-39-17-0 (113 Games)
All-Time Record on the Road: 43-53-11-1 (108 Games)
Last Road Win vs. Opponent: April 7, 2022 (Toronto 4 at Dallas 3 – OTW)

ACTIVE LEADERS VS. DALLAS STARS:
Games Played: Mark Giordano (41), Wayne Simmonds (31), John Tavares (21)
Goals: John Tavares (9), Auston Matthews (8), Wayne Simmonds (7)
Assists: Mark Giordano (15), Mitch Marner (14), John Tavares (13)
Points: John Tavares (22), Mark Giordano (19), Mitch Marner (16)
Penalty Minutes Wayne Simmonds (47), Mark Giordano (28), Alexander Kerfoot (10)

THE MAN ADVANTAGE IN 2022-23
Power Play: 23.8%
Power Play Goal Leader: 7 – Tavares
Power Play Point Leader: 14 – Tavares (7G, 7A)
2021-22 Power Play: 63/231 (27.3%)

ON THE PK IN 2022-23
Penalty Kill: 78.3%
Shorthanded Goal Leader: 1 – Järnkrok, Giordano, Marner
Shorthanded Point Leader: 2 – Marner (1G, 1A), Kämpf (2A)
2021-22 Penalty Kill: 192/234 (82.1%)

FAST FACTS
Tuesday games 3rd of 13 (6 home, 7 road)
Back-to-Backs played 5 of 14
Record in first game of back-toback 2-3-0
Record in second game of back-toback 4-0-1
December games 2nd of 12 (5 home, 7 road)

DALLAS STARS NOTES:

LAST DALLAS STARS GAME
Dec. 4, 2022 – STARS 5 vs. WILD 6 (shootout)
Down 5-1 in the opening minute of the third period, the Stars staged an incredible comeback by scoring four unanswered goals to earn them a point in an eventual 6-4 shootout defeat against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Sunday. The Stars became the second team in as many seasons to overcome a four-goal, third-period deficit to at least tie the game. The Florida Panthers, who eventually won the game, did so against the New Jersey Devils on April 2, 2022. Led by a three-goal four-point effort from Roope Hintz (3-1—4), a three-assist performance from Joe Pavelski (0-3—3) and two-point nights from Jason Robertson (1-1—2) and Mason Marchment (1-1—2), the Stars have earned at least one point in the standings in 10 of their past 11 games (6-1-4). Hintz’ hat trick was the second three-goal game of his career, while his four points matched a personal best first established on April 8, 2021 at Chicago (1-3—4). Pavelski assisted on three of Dallas’ four third-period goals to match the franchise record for most in a single period – a feat last achieved by Tyler Seguin on April 2, 2022 (0-3—3 in the first period). Robertson, meanwhile, extended his point streak to 18 consecutive games, which is two games shy of the franchise mark of 20 set by Brian Bellows from Jan. 11-Feb. 21, 1986 with the Minnesota North Stars. Goaltender Jake Oettinger made his 16th start and stopped 12 of 16 shots in 39:50 TOT. Scott Wedgewood came on in relief and turned aside 14 of 15 in the shootout defeat.
PP: 0-4 | PK: 3-4 | SF: 35 | SA: 31 | DAL TOI: Heiskanen (30:05 – game/season high) | Attendance: 18,120
Three Stars: 1. MIN – K. Kaprizov 2. DAL – R. Hintz 3. DAL – J. Robertson

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE
Date Opponent Time (CT) Location TV/Radio
Tue., Dec. 6, 2022 Toronto Maple Leafs 7:30 p.m. American Airlines Center ESPN+/KTCK
Thu., Dec. 8, 2022 Ottawa Senators 7:30 p.m. American Airlines Center BSSW/KTCK
Sat., Dec. 10, 2022 Detroit Red Wings 1 p.m. American Airlines Center BSSW/KTCK
Mon., Dec. 12, 2022 Pittsburgh Penguins 6 p.m. PPG Paints Arena BSSWX/KTCK
Tue., Dec. 13, 2022 New Jersey Devils 6 p.m. Prudential Center BSSW/KTCK

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Nov. 9 – Recalled forward Matej Blumel from Texas (AHL); loaned goaltender Matt Murray to Texas
Nov. 18 – Loaned forward Matej Blumel to Texas (AHL)
Nov. 19 – Recalled forward Matej Blumel from Texas (AHL)
Nov. 22 – Loaned forward Matej Blumel to Texas (AHL)
Nov. 22 – Recalled forward Fredrik Karlstrom from Texas (AHL)
Nov. 29 – Loaned forward Fredrik Karlstrom to Texas (AHL)

INJURIES
Man-games lost, 2022-23: 14

NAME INJURY # OF GAMES DATES
D Miro Heiskanen Upper body 3 Oct. 25-29
G Jake Oettinger Lower body 4 Nov. 1-8
F Denis Gurianov Upper body 6 Nov. 11-21
F Roope Hintz Lower body 1 Nov. 19

DALLAS STARS NOTES
TONIGHT’S GAME: Dallas’ five-game homestand continues Tuesday with a matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs at American Airlines Center. (7:30 p.m. CT, TV: ESPN+, HULU, Radio: The Ticket 96.7-FM/1310-AM). This wraps up the two-game season series between the Stars and Leafs, which opened with a 3-2 OT victory for Toronto on Oct. 20 at Scotiabank Arena. Dallas enters tonight’s contest with a 14-6-5 record (33 points), including a 7-2-3 mark at home. They remain atop the Central Division and share fourth in the Western Conference with 14 regulation/overtime wins. Following tonight’s game, the Stars will host Ottawa on Thursday and Detroit on Saturday before embarking on a five-game road trip.

TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS
Tonight’s game between the Stars and Maple Leafs marks the first game in NHL history to feature two players enter the contest with an active point streak of at least 18 consecutive games. (Jason Robertson – 18 & Mitchell Marner – 19).

THE BLUE CHANNEL

  • The Stars are 0-0-1 thus far against the Maple Leafs this season.
  • Forwards Luke Glendening (1-0—1) and Tyler Seguin (1-0—1) lit the lamp in Dallas’ 3-2 overtime defeat in Toronto on Oct. 20, while forwards Radek Faksa (0-1—1), Mason Marchment (0-1—1), Wyatt Johnston (0-1—1) and defenseman Nils Lundkvist (0-1—1) picked up assists.
  • The Stars have earned points in six of the past 11 home games (4-5-2) against Toronto, while the team owns an 11-8-2 record over its last 21 games against the Maple Leafs at American Airlines Center.
  • Dallas is 93-95-33 all-time vs. Toronto, including a 54-41-13 mark at home.
  • Forward Tyler Seguin leads the Stars and ranks 13th among active NHL skaters in career scoring vs. Toronto with 35 points (17-18—35) in 33 games. The Brampton, Ontario native enters Tuesday’s matchup with 16 points (7-9—16) in his past 11 games against the Maple Leafs.
  • Forward Joe Pavelski has 23 points (13-10—23) in 20 career games vs. Toronto.
  • Captain Jamie Benn has five points (3-2—5) in his previous eight games overall against Toronto. In his career, Benn has registered 14 points (6-8—14) in 20 games against the Maple Leafs.
  • Forward Mason Marchment began his NHL with Maple Leafs, signing as an undrafted free agent on March 17, 2018. He appeared in four games with the Maple Leafs in 2019-20, earning one assist (0-1–1).
  • Marchment made appearances in the Calder Cup Playoffs in 2018 and 2019, both with Toronto, adding 16 points (10-6—16) in 33 games and becoming a Calder Cup Champion in 2018.
  • Rookie forward Wyatt Johnston, a Toronto native, played for the Toronto Marlboros Hockey Club in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) as a youth.
  • Goaltender Jake Oettinger is 0-1-0 with a 3.06 goals-against average and .923 save percentage in one career appearance against the Maple Leafs.
  • In four career appearances vs. Toronto, netminder Scott Wedgewood is 1-1-2 with a 4.12 GAA and .890 SV%.

2022-23 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
Oct. 20: Maple Leafs 3 vs. Stars 2 (OT) at Scotiabank Arena
Dec. 6 vs. Toronto

NEW MONTH, NEW ACCOLADE

  • Forward Jason Robertson was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week for the week ending Dec. 4 after sharing the league lead with five goals in three outings (5-1—6) to power the Stars (14-6-5, 33 points) to a 2-0-1 week.
  • He scored once in a 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Nov. 28, followed by his third career hat trick – including the game-winning goal – in a 5-0 triumph against the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 1. Robertson closed the week with two points (1-1—2), as well as a shootout tally, as Dallas erased a four-goal third-period deficit in an eventual 6-5 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Dec. 4.
  • It’s the third time this season Robertson has been named an NHL Star of the Week, and it comes just a week after the 23-year-old was named the league’s First Star for the month of November. (More on that below).

BRIGHTEST STAR FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

  • Robertson was named the NHL’s First Star for the month of November after leading the league with 15 goals and 26 points in 14 games (15-11—26) to power the Central Division-leading Stars to an 8-3-3 November.
  • Robertson, who became the first player in franchise history to top the league in both goals and points during a calendar month, found the scoresheet in each of his 14 November appearances to extend his point streak to 16 contests (now 18 as of Dec. 6) dating to Oct. 27 (17-12—29)

– the second-longest such stretch in franchise history (1967-present) behind Brian Bellows’ 20-game run from Jan. 11–Feb. 21, 1986 (11-18—29).

  • Robertson’s November goal and point totals also ranked second for a single month in franchise history, behind Dino Ciccarelli’s 16 tallies in March 1986 (14 GP) and Tom McCarthy’s 27 points in November 1983 (12-15—27 in 13 GP).
  • Overall, Robertson recorded multiple points in nine of his 14 outings and a quartet of multi-goal performances, highlighted by three straight such games from Nov. 21-25 (6-1—7).
    *Robertson’s point streak is currently at 18 games. (More on that below).

YOU’VE GOT THIS SILLY WAY OF KEEPING ME ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT

  • Robertson extended his career-best point streak to 18 consecutive games with a multi-point (1-1—2) performance on Dec. 4 vs. Minnesota.
  • Robertson has 21 goals and 34 points (21-13—34) over that span, which is the second-longest point streak in franchise history (1967-present). Only Brian Bellows’ 20-game point streak from Jan. 11-Feb. 21, 1986 with the Minnesota North Stars is longer.
  • Only two active players have recorded a longer point streak age 23 or younger: Paul Stastny (20 GP in 2006-07), Sidney Crosby (19 GP 2007-08 & 16 GP in 2008-09).
  • Robertson holds the second longest point streak in the NHL this season, behind only Mitchell Marner’s active 19-game run.
  • He has goals in 15 of his 18 games on his current point streak and has 12 multi-point efforts over that span, including three consecutive multi-goal performances (Nov. 21 vs. Colorado, Nov. 23 vs. Chicago and Nov. 25 vs. Winnipeg).

Below is a look at Robertson’s past 18 games
DATE G A P
Dec. 4 vs. MIN 1 1 2
Dec. 1 vs. ANA 3 0 3
Nov. 28 @ STL 1 0 1
Nov. 26 @ COL 0 1 1
Nov. 25 vs. WPG 2 1 3
Nov. 23 vs. CHI 2 0 2
Nov. 21 vs. COL 2 0 2
Nov. 19 vs. NYI 1 0 1
Nov. 17 @ FLA 0 1 1
Nov. 15 @ TBL 1 1 2
Nov. 13 @ PHI 1 1 2
Nov. 11 vs. SJS 0 2 2
Nov. 8 @ WPG 1 0 1
Nov. 5 @ EDM 1 2 3
Nov. 3 @ ARI 2 0 2
Nov. 1 vs. LA 1 2 3
Oct. 29 vs. NYR 1 1 2
Oct. 27 vs. WSH 1 0 1
TOTAL: 21 13 34

  • Robertson has the outright lead in goals (23) and ranks third in points (23-18—41), trailing only Connor McDavid (48 points) and Leon Draisaitl (42 points) in that category.
  • Robertson recorded his third career hat trick (3-0—3) in a 5-0 victory vs. Anaheim on Dec. 1 at American Airlines Center.
  • He joined Kirill Kaprizov, Auston Matthews, Alex Ovechkin, Paul Kariya, Teemu Selanne, Eric Lindros, Pavel Bure, Joe Nieuwendyk and Mario Lemieux as players to score at least 80 goals in the first 152 career NHL games.
  • With 54 goals dating to Jan. 1, Robertson surpassed Auston Matthews (52) for the most goals in the 2022 calendar year so far.
  • Robertson has recorded three hat tricks since his debut season in 2019-20, surpassing Jamie Benn (2) for the most by a Stars player of that span.
  • Robertson had goals in six consecutive games from Oct. 27-Nov. 8, becoming the fifth player in franchise history to have a goal streak of six games or more before turning 24, and the second player in Dallas Stars history (1993-present) to do so. Robertson followed Neal Broten from Jan. 23-Feb. 4, 1982 (7-12—19 in 7 GP), Jamie Benn from March 1-11, 2011 (6-1—7 in 6 GP), Mike Modano from Feb. 29-March 10, 1992 (7-2—9 in 6 GP) and Danny Grant from Oct. 16-29, 1969 (6-1—7 in 6 GP).
  • Robertson has been named the NHL’s First Star of the Week twice already this season for the weeks ending Nov. 27 and Nov. 6.
  • The Arcadia, California native is averaging better than a point-per-game pace through his four NHL seasons (81-85—166 in 153 GP).

I GOT THE MIC AND YOU GOT THE MOSH PIT

  • Forward Roope Hintz (3-1—4) recorded his second career hat trick and tied his career high for points in a game on Dec. 4 vs. Minnesota.
  • Hintz’ three-goal effort gave the Stars two consecutive games with hat tricks (Jason Robertson, Dec. 1 vs. ANA).
  • He shares third on the team in multi-point games (8 with Joe Pavelski) behind Jason Robertson (14) and Jamie Benn (10).
  • Hintz has six points in his past two games (3-3—6) and 23 points in his previous 17 overall (9-14—23).
  • The 26-year-old has skated in 24 contests this season with Dallas and ranks second on the club with 30 points (11-19—30). Among team leaders, he ranks first in assists (19), co-leads in shorthanded goals (1) and shares second in game-winning goals (2). He’s also tied for second in plus-minus (+16), ranks second among forwards in TOI/GP (17:07) and third in power-play TOI/GP (2:32).
  • He had a 10-game point streak from Oct. 27-Nov. 17, tallying 15 points (6-9—15) over that span including four multi-point efforts.
  • With two goals on his 26th birthday on Nov. 17 at Florida, Hintz became just the second player in franchise history (1967-present) to score multiple goals on his birthday (also Dave Gagner, Dec. 11, 1990).
  • Hintz is one of four players on the Stars to have a shorthanded goal this season (also Radek Faksa, Luke Glendening and Joel Kiviranta).
  • Hintz and Robertson became the third pair of Stars/North Stars teammates with simultaneous 10-game point streaks, joining Brian Bellows and Neal Broten (10 GP from Jan. 23-Feb. 13, 1986) as well as Steve Payne and Bobby Smith (10 GP from Feb. 10-28, 1980).
  • On Nov. 29 the Stars signed forward Hintz to an eight-year contract extension, which begins in the 2023-24 season and runs through the 2030-31 campaign. The eight-year contract extension is worth $67.6 million and has an average annual value (AAV) of $8.45 million.
  • In five NHL seasons, Hintz has earned 200 points (91-109—200) in 263 career NHL games. He’s tied for sixth in Dallas Stars history (1993-present) with six career shorthanded goals and shares 10th with 18 career game-winning goals.

THERE’S JUST A FEW THINGS I THINK THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Forward Joe Pavelski (0-3—3) assisted on three of Dallas’ four third-period goals on Sunday vs. Minnesota to match the franchise record for most in a single period – a feat last achieved by Tyler Seguin on April 2, 2022 (0-3—3 in the first period).
  • Pavelski (38 years, 146 days) also became the third player in franchise history (1967-present) to register three points in a period at age 38 or older, joining Dean Prentice (40 years, 65 days) on Dec. 9, 1972 and Sergei Gonchar (39 years, 245 days) on Dec. 14, 2013.
  • He passed Chris Chelios (948) for 12th all-time in points among U.S.-born skaters with an assist against the Ducks on Dec. 1.
  • With his 157th career power-play goal scored on Nov. 26 at Colorado, Pavelski tied Mike Modano for the fourth most by a U.S.-born player. (Jeremy Roenick is third all-time with 184 PPG). It marked Pavelski’s 10th goal of the season and the 431st of his NHL career.
  • With 431 career NHL goals, Pavelski needs two more to tie Patrick Kane (434) for seventh all-time in goals among U.S.-born skaters. Kane is also the only active U.S.-born skater to have more goals than Pavelski.
  • Pavelski has eight multi-point games on the season and 44 since joining the Stars in 2019-20.
  • Only two Stars have notched more multi-point games for the franchise than Pavelski over that span: Jason Robertson (50) and Roope Hintz (48).
  • Pavelski has points (6-15—21) in 13 in his past 17 games and has earned at least one point in 16 of 25 overall (10-18—28).
  • Through 25 games this season, the Plover, Wisconsin native shares third on the Stars in goals (10), ranks third in points (10-18—28) and shares second in assists (18). He also leads the club in plus-minus (+18), ranks third in even-strength points (5-14—19) and ranks sixth in even-strength goals (5).

YOU KNOW HOW I DO

  • Captain Jamie Benn has 15 points (6-9—15) over his past 12 games and 26 points (10-16—26) overall (25 GP).
  • With the most points in a single month in his career (10-13—23), Benn trailed only Jason Robertson (15-11—26) for the most points by any player in the NHL during the month of November. He also ranked fifth during that time in goals (10).
  • Benn registered his 10th multi-point game of the season with a two-assist night (0-2—2) against St. Louis on Nov. 28.
  • Benn recorded the 45th multi-goal game of his NHL career on Nov. 11 vs. San Jose and moved within two of tying Bill Goldsworthy (47) for fourth place on the Stars/North Stars franchise’s all-time list.
  • With a hat trick (3-0—3) against the Oilers on Nov. 5, Benn (333) surpassed Dino Ciccarelli (332) for sole possession of third place among franchise leaders (1967-present) in goals.
  • In addition, Benn (7) trails only Ciccarelli (14) and Bill Goldsworthy (8) for the most three-goal outings in Stars/North Stars franchise history (1967-present). Note: Mike Modano also had seven hat tricks with the Stars/North Stars franchise.
  • Among team leaders, the 33-year-old shares third in goals (10), ranks fourth in points (10-16—26) and is tied for fourth in assists (16). He also ranks second in power-play points (11) and third in power-play goals (4).
  • In the dot, Benn ranks second on the club in faceoff wins (163), faceoffs taken (265) and faceoff win percentage (61.5%).

I STILL KNOW EVERYTHING, I STILL KNOW…

  • Defenseman Miro Heiskanen enters Tuesday’s game with points in four of his past five games (1-6—7).
  • Heiskanen had season-high three points (0-3—3) in the Stars’ win over Anaheim on Dec. 1, giving him 19 points (3-16—19) in 22 games this season.
  • The 23-year-old leads shares fifth on the Stars and 13th among NHL defensemen in points (19). He also paces the Stars and ranks seventh in the league in TOI/GP (25:03).
  • Three games shy of 300 in his career, Heiskanen has 36 goals, 114 assists and 150 points in his NHL career while averaging 24:10 over that span.

‘CAUSE I’M A WISHFUL THINKER WITH THE BEST INTENTIONS

  • Rookie forward Wyatt Johnston potted his seventh goal of the season on Dec. 1 vs. Anaheim. The only rookies with more are Seattle’s Matty Beniers (10) and Ottawa’s Shane Pinto (9).
  • Johnston has goals (2-0—2) in two of his past three games and has three goals (3-1—4) in his past five games.
  • The Toronto, Ontario native faces his hometown team with 10 points (7-3—10) in 25 games this season.
  • At 19 years, 173 days, he became the first teenager in Stars/North Stars history (1967-present) to record a three-game goal streak on the road with his goal on Nov. 3 at Arizona. The last teenager to have a longer road run was Carolina’s Andrei Svechnikov (4 GP in 2019-20).
  • With a goal (1-0—1) on Oct. 25 against Boston, Johnston became the third youngest player in Dallas Stars history (1993-present) to score in consecutive games. Johnston followed Valeri Nichushkin (2 GP in 2013-14) and Miro Heiskanen (2x in 2018-10, both 2 GP).
  • With a goal (1-0—1) in the season opener on Oct. 13, forward Johnston became the youngest player in Dallas Stars history to score a goal in his NHL debut (19 years, 151 days) and second youngest in franchise history (1967-present) with at least one goal in his NHL debut, behind Dave Archibald (18 years, 179 days on Oct. 10, 1987). Mike Modano (19 years, 120 days on Oct. 5, 1989) scored in his first regular-season NHL game but had debuted during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

I NEVER SAID I’D TAKE THIS LYING DOWN

  • Defensemen Esa Lindell and Colin Miller are among the league’s leaders in plus-minus for defensemen.
  • Lindell, who is +9 over his past nine games and has finished with a plus or even rating in 21 of his 25 games this season, ranks fourth among league blueliners with a +16 rating.
  • The Vantaa, Finland native tied his single game high with a +4 rating on Nov. 3 at Arizona.
  • Lindell shares second on the squad in hits (45), ranks third in blocked shots (36) and ranks second among Stars defensemen with nine points (2-7—9) in 25 games.
  • The 28-year-old matched a career-high with three points (1-2—3) on Nov. 13 at Philadelphia.
  • Miller, who has finished with a plus or even rating in 20 of his 24 games this season, shares seventh among NHL d-men with a +14 rating and is +7 over his past eight games.
  • Among team leaders, the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native ranks fourth overall in hits (39) and shares fifth in blocked shots (22).