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 Hull could provide a lift for Stars
Posted: Thursday June 17, 1999 01:53 AM
Sports Illustrated hockey analyst Pierre McGuire chatted with CNNSI's John Giannone on the off day before Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals: John Giannone: Reports are that Brett Hull was flying during Wednesday's practice. If he plays in Game 5 on Thursday, does that give the Stars as much a mental advantage as a physical one? Pierre McGuire: Yes it does, and I'll tell you why. He provides instant offense and he helps his teammates break free. There's a certain level of respect that Brett Hull commands throughout the National Hockey League from defensive players. Hull will help this team tremendously both mentally and physically. Giannone: Now being at home, obviously the home-crowd advantage is a plus for the Stars. But a bigger plus is they'll get the last line change. That's led some to believe that Joe Nieuwendyk will get away from Michael Peca. But during Wednesday's press conference, Dallas coach Ken Hitchcock made it sound as if he doesn't care. Do you believe that? McGuire: No. You know what, Ken Hitchcock is awfully good at mental manipulation and he's trying to let everybody else in the NHL know, "Michael Peca is good, but my guy is better." But you know he'd rather play against Curtis Brown or Brian Holzinger than Michael Peca. Giannone: The Stars still have the experience, they still have the guys with the Stanley Cup rings. It's a best of three, Stars have two games at home. Do they still rate the edge? McGuire: I think they do. But here's the thing: the Buffalo Sabres had a Game 7 the other night and they won it. Now it's imperative the Dallas Stars win their Game 7 here on home ice. Even though it's Game 5, you don't want to go back to Marine Midland trailing 3-2.
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