The Stars like to match Modano against the opposing top center to neutralize the foes offense and make that scoring line play defense. "I feel very fortunate to come to a program like this,"" Hull says. Other than a bit more toughness, general manager Bob Gainey can't see too much more that this franchise needs. This is a team that can check like the New Jersey Devils, yet score with some explosiveness. The Stars defense is sturdy and mobileled by banger Derian Hatcher and puck rushers Sergei Zubov and Darryl Sydor. Hopes Hull can provide scoring support while blending in with center Mike Modano and right winger Jere Lehtinen on a counterattacking line, leaving Nieuwendyk and Verbena for a pure scoring line. Nieuwendyk led the Stars with 39 goals and, other than Pat Verbena (who scored 31 last season), the Stars didn't have another big-time finisher.ĭallas players such as Jamie Wright, right, know the pursuit of Detroit is on. When stars center Joe Nieuwendyk went down with a knee injury, the Stars found themselves lacking scoring punch. "We felt in the playoffs, especially against Detroit, we needed to be stronger in that area." "We needed to add to our top six (forwards),'' Hitchcock says. So the Stars retooled for this season, adding Hull and replacing injury-prone veterans Greg Adams and Bob Bassen with some up-and-comers.
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