Game Day Guide: Stars vs. Kraken

First shift 🏒

The Stars have a demanding schedule this season. Due to a trip to Finland at the end of the month, the team not only has to play two games within 10 days, but also has 13 days off for the four-nation duel in February.

The result is that certain parts of the schedule are compressed – like this week. Dallas begins with three games in four days and nine in 16. That will test the organization's depth, Stars coach Pete DeBoer said.

“Not only are we traveling to Four Nations, but we are also traveling to Finland, which makes our schedule even tighter,” DeBoer said. “I don’t think I’ve ever started three in four nights and this week we did five in eight nights. You just keep your fingers crossed.”

A lot of that depth will revolve around new backup goaltender Casey DeSmith. When the Stars were unable to extend Scott Wedgewood's contract, they turned to veteran DeSmith and signed him to a three-year deal. DeSmith is 33 and spent eight seasons in the Penguins organization. He had a 12-9-6 record with Vancouver last season and is 70-53-21 in his career with a 2.82 GAA and .909 save percentage.

The New Hampshire native jumped right into the Stars organization and fit in well throughout training camp. He went 1-0-0 with a 1.51 GAA and .917 save percentage in 120 minutes during the preseason. He is expected to make his first appearance for Dallas on Sunday against Seattle.

“I really like him,” DeBoer said. “He is a competitive veteran with a calming demeanor. He's given us two really good starts in the exhibition so I'm happy to see him. I think he’ll be a really good complement to Jake.”

The challenge is real as the Stars play on the second night of a meeting, but that's sort of the job of a backup goalkeeper – getting through the difficult beginnings. DeSmith said he felt comfortable with his new teammates during preseason games.

“I have a great team in front of me, so I’m excited,” DeSmith said. “Obviously this is a great defensive team with a great D core. I know that’s a big part of this team’s style.”

No. 1 goaltender Oettinger and goaltending coach Jeff Reese were proud to have built a good goaltending team, and DeSmith said he was already excited.

“They are both incredible individuals,” DeSmith said. “It’s really fun to come to the rink and work with these guys. It means a lot. When you have fun at the rink, it means a lot.”

The Stars will likely have to test their strength in other areas on Sunday. Matt Dumba left Saturday's game with a lower-body injury, so Brendan Smith could make his Dallas debut. Mavrik Bourque was sidelined in the first two games with a lower-body injury, but he could get a chance to play when he's ready.