During last night’s game between the Calgary Flames and the Dallas Stars, tempers flared midway through the first period when Mark Fistric delivered a hard clean check on Flames’ forward Eric Nystrom in the neutral zone.  Moments later, once the whistle blew to end the play, Nystrom approached Fistric, looking to throw some fists, and the Dallas Stars’ defenseman quickly obliged.

However, unlike other well known combatants around the NHL, such as John Scott and Daniel Carcillo, Fistric does not have much experience fighting, and therefore may have been looking for an equalizer.  He found it in Nystrom’s helmet, which he forgot to drop after tearing it from his head.  After throwing one  right, bucket in hand, Fistric dropped the helmet and took his opponent to the ground.

It is tough to say whether Fistric intended on using Nystrom’s helmet as weapon, as sometimes such thoughts may slip a player’s mind in the heat of the battle.  However, he was assessed a 5 minute major for fighting and a match penalty for using the helmet.  Now it is up to Campbell to decide whether Fistric will be in the Stars lineup for Friday’s game against the Avs.

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They surprised a lot of people with their defensive play last year and getting Richards was a bold but great move.  With the experience their young defence received last year they should be in line for another solid season.  Even with Niklas Hagman and Jussi Jokinen gone the Stars still have a very good set of forwards.

Brenden Morrow, Jere Lehtinen, Mike Ribeiro and Brad Richards make up the foundation for the top 6.  Mike Modano will look to add speed and some offensive flare to the 3rd line and Sean Avery brings toughness and a win-at-all-costs attitude.  Fabian Brunnstrom will look to show why everyone was making a big fuss over him and I see him being a top 6 forward for this team. 

As I mentioned earlier Dallas’ defence is young, but showed last year that they can handle the pressure. Trevor Daley, Mark Fistric, Nicklas Grossman and Matt Niskanen highlight the young guys on the back end. The ole dependables are of course lead by Sergei Zubov with Stephane Robidas and Philippe Boucher.

In net the Stars are set with Marty Turco and an unknown but good goaltender in Tobias Stephan.  As long as the forwards can stay healthy and the defence keep improving the Dallas Stars will be fighting for home ice advantage in the playoffs.