Bill Meltzer: Stars Gameday: 4/9/13 vs. Kings

Regher is on the top pairing, he started and played with Doughty last game. Penner is also likely to slot back into the second line.

Bill, first off thanks for all the coverage this year. Second, I don't know if the guys can win 3 in a row but they have been fun to watch the last couple of games. The debate down here has been whether or not Jagr and they way he plays was stifling Benns play. Not saying we did not love having Jagr and what he brought but since his departure Benn has looked more like himself than before. They were a dump and chase line with him now they look to carry the puck across the line. What do you think? Also, Defense still seems to be an Achilles heel for us. I know we are young but we really are going to need a top D man next year as the kids continue to mature. Any thoughts on who might be available this summer and do you think we have a chance at landing someone. Lastly, what is the perception of Joe as a GM around the league. A lot of fans are not happy but I think he gets one more year.

Bill, agree with Bubba that your coverage has again been exceptional this year.

I know the sample size is very small but Chiasson has shown more skating ability and skill than I thought he had. Do you think he has the potential to translate into a legitimate top six forward. I really like the way Benn, Whitney and Chiasson play with speed and net drive. Whitney seems to be a great fit for Benn's line.

Thanks, guys!

Re: Benn and Jagr, they didn't have instant chemistry but I think they worked together fine when they were put back on the same line. IMO, Benn's offensive slump probably had more to do with his wrist being at much less than 100 percent for several weeks.

I personally think Nieuwendyk has done a good enough job to earn another season as GM. I don't fault him for keeping the team together in 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons in effort to try and make the playoffs (despite the end results of narrowly missing out). I think he's assembled some good young talent for the future, especially on the blueline. Unfortunately, around the NHL, his tenure is most known for the Neal/Niskanen for Goligoski deal (which had a legit line of reasoning behind it).

I expect Chiasson to have some ups and downs as he moves along into next season, but his potential is obvious and you have to like what you've seen from him so far.