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Dallas Stars Have Secret Weapon in Antoine Roussel

By Allison Scott

Oct 31, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars left wing Antoine Roussel (21) and left wing Patrick Sharp (10) celebrate the win over the San Jose Sharks at the American Airlines Center. Roussel and Sharp each score a goal. The Stars defeat the Sharks 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars left wing Antoine Roussel (21) and left wing Patrick Sharp (10) celebrate the win over the San Jose Sharks at the American Airlines Center. Roussel and Sharp each score a goal. The Stars defeat the Sharks 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Stars are already known around the league for their prolific offense, specifically their top line. But who are some of their secret assets down further in the ranks?

Antoine Roussel embodies a lot of what the Dallas Stars love: speed, grit, offensive skill and passion for the game. Although he goes about it in a rather unique and border line illegal manner, he never fails to leave an impression after each passing season in victory green.

Offensive Contributions

No. 21 is far from the most talented offensive player at the Dallas Stars’ disposal and he knows that full well. Despite his comparative lack of pristine skill, Roussel has his own style of hockey that is very entertaining.

He might have the NHL records for goals in a season to be scored off of everything but a hockey stick and that’s quite alright. Last season he totaled a respectable 29 points in 80 games with the Dallas Stars, while logging a team-leading 123 penalty minutes.

Although his offensive contributions to the team are atypical, they still have the ability to change games. He has unique skills and he combines them all together, which sets him apart from the agitators that once were.

Physicality

Possibly the thing he’s most known for his the physical component of his game. Whether it’s checking opposing players into the boards or trash talking on the ice in a barely understandable yell that combines French and English, Roussel is involved in the physical game.

He protects his teammates in the event of a questionable play and he certainly instills fear in teams the Stars play because he’s a rather dynamic agitator. Roussel combines a lot of the characteristics the Dallas Stars look for and breed in players coming up because his style of play is not only entertaining, but is most of the time effective.

Antoine Roussel isn’t perfect and he does sometimes cross the line of acceptability, but he’s also a player that has learned from mistakes and moved forward. That quality is incredibly valuable when playing like No. 21 does and it makes him that much more appreciated on the Dallas Stars.

What Makes Him a “Secret” Weapon?

Roussel doesn’t simply hit a player and move on, he uses his frustration to contribute in all three zones on the ice while also bothering those he plays against. No. 21’s speed and determination also makes him a tough guy to keep up with on icing calls, much less reaching the puck on a breakaway.

Those are traits that can be hidden on a team with the skill level of the Dallas Stars. And although his name has become rather well-known over the last few years, it’s doubtful that people realize the true impact of him as a player other than his physical presence.

Next: Stars Sophomore Slumps to Watch Out For

Being overlooked isn’t something an outgoing guy like Roussel prefers, but in being labeled as a pest on the ice, he might unknowingly be the Dallas Stars’ secret weapon.

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