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Stars looking for more speed

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Posted: Sunday June 13, 1999 08:09 AM

Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Farber looks ahead to Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals with CNN/SI's John Giannone:

John Giannone: For the Buffalo Sabres, the first 40 minutes of Game 1 was all about chiseling off rust and calming nerves. But in the third period and again in overtime, Buffalo flashed the speed and intensity that now has Dallas scrambling back to the blackboard in preparation for Game 2 on Thursday. Michael, even though they're only down one loss, you think there are a lot of changes in store for the Stars...

Michael Farber: Certainly look for the Stars to get more speed in the lineup. That means Derek Plante, the former Buffalo Sabre -- he's speedy -- and perhaps also Tony Hrkac. There might be two changes in the Dallas lineup. The reason, of course, is Stars coach Ken Hitchcock saw just how quick the Buffalo Sabres are up close and he knows he needs more speed throughout the lineup because it is distributed throughout the Buffalo roster. Brian Skrudlund is a fine ploughhorse on the fourth line for the Dallas Stars, but he is a ploughhorse.

Giannone: Changes could also be in store on the Dallas power play, scoring on only one in 10 chances in Game 1. What will they do differently to try and get more shots -- and more goals -- against Dominik Hasek?

Farber: The Dallas Stars need more traffic in front of Dominik Hasek. The best way to do that? They're going to put big bodies in front of him. Ken Hitchcock hasn't done this very often this year. In the past he's used defenseman Derian Hatcher and put him right outside the crease. If he doesn't use Hatcher in this way, look for him to use a forward, Dave Reid, stationed right outside Dominik Hasek.

Giannone: And Hasek has been the great equalizer for the Sabres in this postseason. Ten times the Sabres have been outshot. Their record in those games: 9-1.

Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Farber covers the NHL and appears regularly on CNN/Sports Illustrated.

 

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