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Heika: Stars' undersized forwards must be fierce in puck battles

Columnist Mike Heika answered questions in a chat Tuesday. Here are some highlights.

Question: Do you think Valeri will stay NHL? Or Jim Nill will send him back to the NKL. What do you think Mike?

Heika: Only he knows for sure. I know he has a good support system in Sergei Gonchar and Jim Nill, and I know the Stars believe his development as a future NHL star is best served by fighting through challenges this season, but Nichushkin will have the final say on this. I think he'll be patient for now, but I would check back in around Christmas.


Question: It seems like Goligoski needs to be paired with a big physical d-man and he has worked well with Dillon at the end of last year. Why hasn’t that pair been tried this year?

Heika: I think it hurt Dillon's game, and they were not able to put Dillon out against the other team's best players. That's the trouble with trying to see up a defensive pair...someone has to play defense.


Question: How is Valeri Nichushkin coming along with his adjustment to the NHL?

Heika: I think well. He was very good after the healthy scratch, and if they play him on the top line (that's where he's practicing right now), then I think we will get to see more of what he can do. That said, he is 18 and it's going to take time.


Question: A couple observations: First, Our last 5 games have been against teams with a combined 32-9-4 record, playing our backup goalies. Second, in the past, it appeared to me that Kari would come up with a big save or two early in games and the Stars would settle down after that. I liked to imagine is as confidence in Kari that would trickle down to confidence with the rest of the team. It's not unreasonable to believe that with Kari returning and the combined record of the next 3 teams being 9-15-3, they can finally start digging out of this early hole they find themselves in, no?

Heika: Yes.


Question: Do you think Jim Nill is going to send back Valeri to the KHL after 9 games or do you think he is ready for the NHL after you saw him play couple of NHL games. What do you think?

Heika: Valeri is different than a junior player. He can stay here as long as he wants and return to Russia whenever he wants (as long as everyone agrees). He has a contract in the NHL and a contract in the KHL, so the two sides just have to figure out where it is best for him to develop.


Question: What is your take on the new uniforms? Do you like them, and if so, which is coming first for you: a victory green sweater vest, or a victory green velvet jacket? Also, when can we expect to see you donning either of these?

Heika: I'm more of an autumn, so green isn't my color. That's why I was pushing so hard for the rebranding in mauve.


Question: I've noticed Nichuskin's name getting called more by Ralp and Razor during the last couple of games. He finally getting some confidence?

Heika: Agreed, and I think he’s learning from game situations. Often times, you are smarter after you take the test, and I think that applies to Nichushkin right now. He is much smarter after he plays the games.


Question: How's Garbutt taking the Penner thing? Garbutt has seemed like a nice guy and it stinks to see people calling him a dirty player.

Heika: He didn't comment on it after the game (just said he hadn't seen the hit) and we haven't talked to him since. I'll ask after practice.


Question: It's early, but I still don't see the forwards going into the dirty places. I thought that was going to be a priority this season? (In addition to puck control.) Sure, Garbutt and Eakin like to dig in the corners, but I've yet to see a consistent crashing of the slot.

Heika: Agreed with this, it is a very good point. It was never more clear than against Los Angeles that they are small. So if they are small, they are going to have to be very fierce in puck battles. It is an area they are prioritizing, and it is an area where they still need work.


Question: What do you think needs to be done to help the other lines increase their scoring? Seguin can't carry the team by himself all the time.

Heika: Patience. They have talent, and those lines have played pretty well. The goals will come. Last game was a good example of that.


Question: I know it's early, but who's friends so far and does this team look like they can become close? I know the last few years things have been a little quiet in the locker room.

Heika: I know we are moving forward pretty fast in this 24/7 world of ours, where everyone wants to know what's going on behind the scenes, but I am old and I really don't watch that stuff too closely. It probably is important, but it's just not something I talk about too much.


Question: I dunno Mike, The Torpedo only got Sweden to the quarters in the '02 Olympics...why not the Flying Duck?

Heika: It worked for Coach Bombay, so it'll probably work in the NHL.


Question: When is the last time the Stars defense was a positive aspect of the team?

Heika: True story, Norman Green is at practice this morning and he asked Craig Ludwig if he still can play...that should tell you something.

Click here for the full chat

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