Bill Meltzer: Stars Gameday: 1/20/13 @ Wild

Bill, I had to read your Dallas blog first...what a game by Jagr. The Flyers could have used his help on the PP yesterday.

Always excited to see the Stars come to town... especially with Jagr on the roster! Here's hoping that abysmal back-to-back record carries thru to this game.

I was at the game last night and I can tell you the AA center was electric. It was a sell out crowd that defiantly got its money worth.
Couple of things that did disturb me. One, too many penalties by the Stars. At the start of the second period Pheonix played pretty much the first ten minutes 5 on 4 giving up two PP goals. I expected some sloppy play so I will reserve judgement on that. The second issue was the Defense. Larson had three minors and Jordi Benn had a TO that led to the tying goal in the third. If the young Defense men don't clean up their mistakes it will be a long night against the Wild.

What's the deal with Benn? Money or term hanging up the signing? Both?

nhl.com's Three Stars from last night were Teemu, Jagr, and St. Louis. What is this, an AARP convention?

Great start by all four of the Stars' acquisitions: Jagr, Whitney, Roy and Eakins. A typical excellent performance from Eriksson and I thought Dillon had a nice game on the defensive side. Also thought that Reilly Smith looked like he is an NHL ready player. Today should be a good early season test against the Wild in a back to back. It will be interesting to see if the Stars start Lehtonen again today or go with Nilstorp.

What's the deal with Benn? Money or term hanging up the signing? Both?
- jochfr

Actually it is kind of both. Benn is in a unique position since he is 23 which is a couple of years older than some comparable players. The Stars would like to sign him to either a 2/3 year short term contract or a 5/6/7 year long term contract while Benn's agent want a 4 year contract which would take him right to his UFA status. Assuming the Stars will not agree to a 4 year deal, they have to arrive at a dollar compromise depending on which way Benn wants to proceed.

It's been so long I forgot about our horrible back to back record last year. With the compressed season the Stars won't stand a chance if they don't get more points from the second game.