The NHL will be taking a long break in February, and they can thank the Olympics in Torino for that. In fact, after their workout on Wednesday February 8th, the Dallas Stars won't play in Dallas again, until March 4th. Their next three games are on the road, followed by an 18-day Olympic break.
“The schedule has bit crazy with the Olympic break in it, and our schedule coming out of the Olympic break is very tough,” says Stars Head Coach Dave Tippett, “So hopefully we get away for a few days and physically and mentally rest up, and be ready for real long stretch drive.”
Seven players are head to the Olympics, but how the Stars come out of the break may dictate how well they're positioned for the playoffs.
Says Stars Center Mike Modano, “The guys are looking forward to the break, get away, and get some rest, and get healed up, a lot of guys are looking forward to it. It probably comes at a good time, even though there is about a month and a half of the season afterwards. You can make a big strong push when you come back.”
Goaltender Marty Turco shares similar thoughts. “I think the reason why we're in this position, is because we really don't talk about where we're at in the standings, we know and appreciate our goals. They're clearly defined, but this team has been putting its work boots on, win or lose, rain or shine, everyday.”
Thanks to the lockout, the Stars had the entire year off last year, so it’s not like the 52-games so far, have worn them out.
“If we were grinding it out, four years straight, and every four years you got this 19-day break, it would be nice,” says Left Wing Brenden Morow. “But yeah, we're well rested.”
Before this team scatters before the Olympics and exotic vacations, they do have three more games to play, all on the road, but then a long wait that they hope won't cool a hot season.
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