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Former Dallas Stars Competing for the Cup

By Allison Scott

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Both the Western and Eastern Conference Finals will go the full seven games for the first time since 2000. Tonight the Tampa Bay Lightning will face off against the President’s Trophy-winning New York Rangers, while the Chicago Blackhawks will take on the Anaheim Ducks tomorrow night.

Although there is no doubt that these conference final match-ups have been fun to watch, it is hard to ignore the once prominent former Dallas Stars participating for their new teams.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Brenden Morrow

Former Stars captain Brenden Morrow has found a place in the line-up of the ever-surprising Tampa Bay Lightning and he’s still the same gritty forward he was years ago. Morrow was drafted by Dallas in 1997 and he served as captain from 2006-2013. He has since played with a variety of teams including the Pittsburgh Penguins, St Louis Blues, and now the Lightning.

While his offensive glory days are behind him, having only scored eight points (3G, 5A) in the regular season and drawing blanks in the playoffs thus far, Morrow still contributes. His signature shoulder reversal in the corners during puck battles is still a mainstay in his game and he maintains the ability to provide the fourth line winger role the Lightning need.

Alongside fellow winger J.T. Brown and center Brian Boyle, Morrow puts in one hundred percent effort every night. If Tampa Bay were to win the cup it would be their first since the 2004, as well as the first win in Morrows’ career.

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Chicago Blackhawks: Brad Richards

Brad Richards was the Conn Smythe Trophy Winner on that 2004 Tampa Bay roster and he was also arguably the best Dallas Star for five years from 2007-2011. On the second day of free agency 2011 Richards signed a nine-year, $60 million contract with the New York Rangers; however, in June of 2014 he was bought out of his contract and once again found himself a free agent.

From there he signed a one-year $2 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, which is the team he currently calls home. During the regular season Richards scored thirty-seven points (12G, 25A) and in the post-season he’s contributed nine (2G, 7A). He’s had a point in all but one of the match-ups against the Ducks, which has no doubt helped get them to game seven.

It doesn’t hurt his offensive game that he centers the second line alongside Patrick Kane and Bryan Bickell, as well as serving as the center on Chicago’s second power play unit. If the Hawks win the cup it will be their third in the last five years, as well as being Richards’ second victory of his career.

It should also be noted that the Anaheim Ducks have former Dallas Stars defenseman Mark Fistric under contract; however, he hasn’t been in the line-up since December of last year and was sent down earlier this year to the minors. The Ducks recalled him in April, but he has yet to find his way into the playoff picture.

As disappointing as it is to not have the Stars themselves in the playoffs, it is good to see former Dallas Stars succeeding with their new teams. Hopefully we will see Morrow win his first cup, or Richards his second in the next few weeks!

Which team do you want to win the cup? Leave your pick in the comments and as always thanks for reading!

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