At 5-10, 170 pounds, Kris Russell is one of the smallest defensemen in the NHL.
So does that present a problem?
"Not for me, it doesn't," Russell said with a sly smile.
Russell has earned the right to be confident. Since the Stars acquired him Feb. 29 in a trade from Calgary, Russell has averaged 24:24 in ice time and has helped the Stars to a 3-1-1 record. Seen as a depth defenseman who could help the Stars in the playoffs, Russell has stepped up in the face of injuries to John Klingberg and Jason Demers and become one of the Stars best players in a very short time.