DALLAS _ In the last week, Dallas became the epicenter of the hockey world _ for the public, biting criticism from CEO Jim Lites about the Stars' two best players and then for an announcement bringing next year's Winter Classic to the Cotton Bowl. It was a spotlight shifted to North Texas not often shined on the Stars.
The headlines reached the entire sport and across the border. But on Wednesday night, during a 5-4 win over New Jersey, the Stars got a reminder of what could end up being the biggest story of their season: the arrival and play of Miro Heiskanen.
Heiskanen, the 19-year-old Finnish rookie defensemen, scored two goals and Tyler Seguin added two more as the Stars extended their point streak to four games. Jamie Benn also scored for the Stars before he left with an upper-body injury suffered on a hit from Devils forward Miles Wood.
On Wednesday night, before his second career multi-goal game, Heiskanen was named the Stars' only All-Star. Seguin was included on the "Last Men In" ballot, which awards the final spot on each divisional team to the winner of a fan vote.
Both of Heiskanen's goals showcased reasons why he's thought of as the future of the Stars franchise, and an untradeable asset. During his first one, in the second period, Heiskanen walked into open ice during 4-on-4 play, threw a shoulder fake at Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood before finishing on his forehand. Had Heiskanen not scored, Sami Vantanen would have been called for a penalty.
In the third period, Heiskanen collected a loose puck off a faceoff, swung toward the net before roofing a backhand past Blackwood. The play is one the Stars have used since October for Heiskanen, designed to use his blazing speed to confuse opposing defenses.
With less than three minutes in the game, Heiskanen saved the Stars again by pulling the puck out of the crease with Ben Bishop sprawled on the ice.
The goals snapped an eight-game pointless streak for Heiskanen. He now has nine goals this season. Among rookies, his 19 points trail only Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. No rookie plays more than his 23 minutes per night, and only two rookies have more time on ice short-handed.
Heiskanen was the No. 3 pick in the 2017 draft, and joined the Stars this season. He immediately impressed with his smooth skating ability, swift backchecks and quick catch-and-release shots. Without John Klingberg, Heiskanen helped stabilize the Stars defensive corps and coach Jim Montgomery has trusted him with important minutes in big moments.
He is the second rookie in Stars history (Danny O'Shea in Minnesota during 1968-69) to be named an All-Star. Heiskanen is also the youngest player in franchise history to be named an All-Star. The All-Star Game is Jan. 26 in San Jose.
The win shouldn't have needed Heiskanen's heroics, though. Not with New Jersey missing its Hart Trophy winner in Taylor Hall. And not with the massive shot disparity between New Jersey and Dallas.
The shots favored Dallas 16-2 after the first period. At one point, New Jersey went 23:42 minutes between shots. During that time, the Stars fired 26 shots on goal and scored three times. But the Devils fought back, tying the game at 4 with Brian Boyle's power-play goal late in the second period.
Stars defenseman Julius Honka did not play in the third period due to an upper-body injury.
