The NHL version of Denis Gurianov had a party in Dallas last night. The Russian right wing looked every bit like the first-round draft pick he was with two nasty goals in the first period, including what turned out to be the game-winner.
This was the Gurianov the Stars have been hoping for, and head coach Jim Montgomery was quick to point it out after the game:
Since Gurianov has returned from the AHL, he’s been more engaged in the game, both using his speed to cut his way to the net and also physically to finish checks and knock opponents off the puck.