Dallas Morning News
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October 25, 2005 - Still not finding solid ground, the Dallas Stars dragged themselves into Carolina to play the winless Hurricane. Perhaps, it was just what the doctor ordered.
The Stars dominated the game, particularly on the powerplay where they went 50% (4-8) including 2 goals by veteran Gary Roberts. In fact, the 2nd powerplay unit was responsible for all four powerplay goals, the other two scored by defensemen, Vitaly Visnovski and Josef Melichar. Melichar added a 2nd goal, his second of the year, in the middle of the second period.
The other even strength goal was scored unassisted by Jeremy Roenick, his second of the year. Jaromir Jagr and newcomer Fredrik Modin were kept noticeably off the scoresheet. Jagr played 20 minutes and only managed a single shot. Rumors are floating around that the volatile superstar is once again unhappy.
Jagr refused to comment on the rumors.
Coach Nolan was once again not behind the bench for the team, leading to speculation that he is no longer a member of the Dallas Stars organization. Still, it is extremely odd that no other coach has been named, if in fact Ted Nolan is no longer the coach of the Stars. This has left everyone extremely confused.
Wade Redden was once again a workhorse for the team, playing 28 minutes. He led the team with 6 hits but only registered 1 assist.
For Andrew Raycroft it was a solid night, allowing 2 goals on 25 shots.
"I was happy with the way I played," said the struggling netminder. "But credit goes to the powerplay for stepping up and dominating the game. I'm far from playing my best, yet, but I'm working hard and I hope to take it up a notch tomorrow night."
The team did suffer another injury, this time to defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky who is out day-to-day. According to the medical staff, defenseman Mattias Norstrom could return to play but it's not expected that he will. It's unclear if the team will play Norstrom or go with 5 defensmen.
The Stars flew home immediately following the game, to prepare for their game tomorrow night against archrival Los Angeles.