Valeri Nichushkin’s first game of the season wasn’t a particularly memorable one. The young Russian looked lost at times, and a bit slower than what Dallas Stars fans remembered seeing.
But things aren’t all doom and gloom for the Stars’ former first round pick, as Montgomery was happy with Nichushkin’s performance in the preseason. And his talent and skill still catch the eyes of his teammates, such as alternate captain Jason Spezza:
“He skates well and he pushes the D back on the other team,” Spezza said. “I think when he’s playing well he’s protecting the puck and moving it quick.