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Stars Armed for Stretch Run as Battle for the Playoffs Begins
February 28, 2007

Sixteen days ago the Dallas Stars were a pretty good hockey team. Two trades and a few wins later, they're even better.

General Manager Doug Armstrong has improved the level of talent on the roster thanks to two deals that bolstered both the blue-line and the corps of forwards for the Stars. How much improved is this hockey club? Only time will tell but early results look positive. Armstrong's latest moves have put the Stars in position to compete for a quality playoff spot in a very good Western Conference.

The first trade on February 12 brought skilled winger Ladislav Nagy, the Phoenix Coyotes' leading scorer to help add punch to the Stars' offense. Nagy immediately became the leading scorer on the roster. He has scored two big goals in the last three games, getting Dallas' first goal last Friday in the Stars' 4-1 win over Anaheim and scoring the game-winner in overtime on Tuesday in Tampa Bay.

"I'm excited to be here and just want to contribute to the team," Nagy said.

Nagy has been paired on a line with Mike Ribeiro over the last three games and it hasn't taken long for the teammates to click.

"Ribeiro and I see each other well and we are developing a good chemistry," said Nagy. "He is a great passer, you always have to be ready for his passes. I'm learning that he likes playing the net, and he is just a great playmaker."

Veteran defenseman Mattias Norstrom was acquired on Tuesday at the trade deadline, adding a veteran player with size and strength who is known as a shutdown defenseman. When one looks at the Stars' stable of blue-liners, it includes plenty of two-way players, good skaters, players that can move the puck and offensive skill.

"Mattias will solidify our defensive corps and I am very excited to have him join our group," said Stars Head Coach Dave Tippett, who coached Norstrom in Los Angeles and knows what kind of quality player Dallas is getting. "He is a great person and a great leader and he has a great deal of experience. He brings a physical presence and is a shutdown defenseman. Mattias is great on the penalty kill and I was thrilled to hear of the acquisition."

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