Seems to be the general feeling in the Stars' locker room on Friday. And it's just a tad necessary right now. Some of the Stars are getting worn out on talking about it, be it to us or to each other (actually, more to each other), so yeah, it's about time for this: Zip it and play.
Some comments on things today:
Brenden Morrow: "We’re not going to get past (the individualism) until it’s out in the open. The blame game (on the outside) has been going on from (blaming) Marty (Turco) to Sean (Avery) and it’s crept its way into the locker room and everyone’s feeling the pressure. Everyone just has to look at themselves. If you think you're giving 100 percent you’re not, and you’re fooling yourself if you think you are. Until everyone is under that same belief, we’re going to keep playing ourselves into this hole."
I asked Brenden how much of this is mental right now, and he said "about 99 percent." Dave Tippett, meanwhile, isn't buying it.
"That’s a poor excuse. You’ve got to work through it. You've got to band together and play well as a group. That’s all we’re looking for."
And, finally, Brad Richards' take: "Talk is talk. We’ve gone through that. There are no more secrets. At this point you can break it down 1,000 ways. We just have to get better."
OK, some other items:
Mike Modano, Sergei Zubov and Jere Lehtinen did not practice today, but it was just rest day for the trio. Joel Lundqvist skated on his own Friday morning, but that's it. He's still a few weeks away with that shoulder.
We may be seeing defenseman Doug Janik tomorrow night in Phoenix. When young D are struggling, take advantage of the veteran.
Marty Turco will start tomorrow against the 'Yotes. See you in the desert.
This is indeed a "homer" question, but what is the situation with Darryl Sydor in Pit? I heard he was seeking a trade?
Also, is Crombeen on a 1 way contract? Why not send him down and bringing up Neal? Neal seems to have more upside and can play on a top line or a checking line.
Posted by: rev0lver19 | November 14, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Crombeen would have to go through waivers to be sent down and the Stars aren't convinced that he would make it through without being claimed.
Sydor makes 2.5 million, the Stars would have to clear out space to take on his contract. And it would end up being players like Daley, Ott, or Eriksson. So I don't see anything happening there.
Posted by: Casey B. | November 14, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Couldn't have said it better myself, Casey. The Stars have painted themselves into a financial corner right now, so they'll have to make do.
Posted by: Tracey | November 14, 2008 at 05:20 PM