Seattle, WA

Stars’ offseason focus on roster depth proves valuable in victory over Seattle Kraken

Published

1 year ago

October 13, 2024

Stars’ offseason focus on roster depth proves valuable in victory over Seattle Kraken

Each offseason, the Stars strive to become a deeper team.

It was a focus for GM Jim Nill and his staff ahead of last season, so they added some key forward depth to make Dallas one of the deepest-scoring teams in the NHL with eight 20-goal scorers.

When that depth dried up in the Western Conference finals against Edmonton, especially on the blue line, the Stars went out and added more this past summer.

Through three games, the Stars (3-0-0) already have seven goal-scorers and 11-point earners. Two new goal scorers — Sam Steel and Wyatt Johnston — tallied their firsts of the year to elevate Dallas to a 2-0 win over the Seattle Kraken (1-2-0) Sunday night.

“That’s what good teams have,” Stars head coach Pete DeBoer said postgame. “We’ve talked about depth here since day one. You need it in order to be an elite team in this league. It’s everything.”

But the depth wasn’t limited to scorers.

The win was Dallas’ second consecutive shutout on a home-opening back-to-back this weekend. New backup goalie Casey DeSmith recorded the 11th shutout of his career in his first start for Dallas just 24 hours after Jake Oettinger did the same Saturday night.

The Stars still have not allowed a goal on the American Airlines Center ice this season.

“What I liked about Casey’s game was just how calm he looked in the net,” DeBoer said. “He really looked like he was in control and unflappable.”

DeSmith was supported by a strong performance from the skaters in front of him, especially Dallas’ blue line, which allowed 25 shots all night. The blue line also had to flex its depth, since top-pairing defenseman Matt Dumba was ruled out with a lower-body injury he suffered against the Islanders Saturday.

Free agency acquisition Brendan Smith saw his first action of the season in Dumba’s place, fitting in seamlessly and recording three blocks and a hit in 13:07 of ice time.

All of the Stars’ scoring happened in a 13-second span. With under four minutes remaining in the first period, Steel received a pass from new linemate Colin Blackwell on the post and finished for his first goal of the season.

Off the next face-off, the Stars controlled possession, and Jamie Benn carried the puck into the offensive zone before finding Johnston with a drop pass. The Stars’ leading scorer from last season became the first Stars or North Stars player 21 years old or younger to open the season with a three-game point streak since Mike Modano in 1991-92.

Dallas held strong defensively through the next two periods, especially on the penalty kill. The Stars killed off four Kraken power plays and allowed just two shots on goal on the man advantage. Dallas had three power-play opportunities of its own but was unable to score.

“I think we’ve just put a lot of emphasis, and the guys that are killing have done a lot of talking in between each other,” Steel said. “At this time of year, if you’re detailed, you’re going to have success.”

The Stars are off to a strong undefeated start to the season during a busy stretch with five games in eight days. While their depth has carried them through, they could be even stronger when they return to the ice against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, as reigning AHL MVP Mavrik Bourque may make his season debut if he can return from injury.

“I just think this team has a lot of chemistry, and they know how to win,” DeSmith said. “This team is aways at the top of the standings, and there’s a reason for that. They just love to win, and they know how to do it.”

Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.

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Seattle, WA

Seahawks trade rumor reveals Seattle’s interest in acquiring Giants’ $31 million first-round pick

Published

10 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Press Room

Seahawks trade rumor reveals Seattle’s interest in acquiring Giants’ million first-round pick

Seahawks trade rumor reveals Seattle’s interest in acquiring Giants’ $31 million first-round pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It appears that Cleveland Browns star Defensive end Myles Garrett isn’t the only defender the Seattle Seahawks are interested in acquiring this offseason.

Seahawks Forever’s Dan Veins also reported that the 2026 Super Bowl winners have their sights set on the New York Giants’ 2022 first-round pick (No. 5 overall pick).

“I don’t know who John (Harbaugh) spoke with in the Giants front office, but (Kayvon) Thibodeaux is a serious trade target,” Veins noted Friday.

With trade chatter surrounding Thibodeaux intensifying lately, the Seahawks’ rumored interest in the Oregon product could have come at a better time.

Thibodeaux has struggled mightily to terrorize opposing quarterbacks the past two seasons, with the 25-year-old reaching a new low with the Giants in 2025-26 (he ended the year with 13 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 2.5 sacks, zero forced fumbles, and an unimpressive 66 overall PFF grade.

Although the Giants don’t seem to be in a rush to wash their hands of Thibodeaux, the South Los Angeles, California native’s inability to remain healthy and rush the passer adequately could motivate the franchise to accelerate the trade process.

Of course, Garrett is undoubtedly a more captivating prize for a Seahawks squad looking to defend their Super Bowl title in 2026-27. However, Thibodeaux wouldn’t be the worst alternative, as he’s played elite-level football in the past and is capable of being a high-impact defender on a regular basis.

For that reason, it isn’t preposterous for Seattle to pursue him as their offseason continues to take shape.

More NFL: Seahawks interested in trading for Browns’ historic $160 million two-time DPOY, per report

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Seattle, WA

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 34 things to know

Published

22 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 34 things to know

(Friday night, off Harbor Avenue; WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)

Happy Saturday! First, a transportation note:

WATER TAXI’S NEW SCHEDULE: The spring/summer schedule for the West Seattle Water Taxi starts today, including extra weekend daytime runs, and later night runs on Saturdays (starting tonight) and Fridays (starting next Friday), as previewed here.

Now the other Saturday highlights, as usual mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar (if we’re missing something, text info ASAP to 206-293-6302):

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you’re invited to join the Saturday 8 am free group run – kicking off the second day of 16th-anniversary weekend (see below).

FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your weekend, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).

SCHMITZ PARK IVY PULL: Join Schmitz Park Creek Restore, A Cleaner Alki, others to help save the park’s trees by pulling invasive ivy, 9:30-11:30 am. (56th SW and SW Spokane)

INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER CELEBRATES 16 YEARS: Second day of anniversary weekend, open 10 am to 5 pm – “discounts, raffle drawings, Hawthorne Chair massage, Lake Washington PT and Hidef PT on site at various times during the weekend. Call ahead for specific questions on scheduling: 206-938-0545.” (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor)

DONATION DRIVE FOR FARMWORKERS: Plant starts, tools, supplies needed for community garden – dropoff donation drive 10 am-1 pm today and tomorrow at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

WEST SEATTLE NURSERY OPEN HOUSE: Spring open house 10 am-2 pm at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor), featuring bees, books, and a new grower!

COMPOST GIVEAWAY: 10 am to 2 pm or while it lasts, bring your own bucket/shovel to Westcrest Park P-Patch (9000 8th SW) for free compost, as previewed here.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, new Saturday hours 10 am-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).

SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)

DAHLIA TUBER SALE: 10 am-3 pm, prolific gardener’s overflow for sale. (4557 51st Place SW)

SINGALONG BRUNCH SOLD OUT: 10 am weekends at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – today, Taylor Swift edition, and it’s sold out. Table Reservation for future dates includes a Brunch Buffet! (2306 California SW)

GAME ON FOR KIDS! NAT’L BOARD GAME DAY: Kids are invited to celebrate by playing games at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am-3:30 pm.

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am today – free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group resumes today – details including location are in our calendar listing.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), for families with kids up to 5 years old.

ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Second one of the season! 11 am, leaving from the Log House Museum (61st SW and SW Stevens).

FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-3 pm, no appointment needed, with United Way and West Seattle Food Bank at WS Community Resource Center (6516 35th SW).

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN HAIRCUTS: 11 am-3 pm at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), Little Shop of Hairdos is cutting hair for 50+ at whatever price they can pay, no appointment necessary, proceeds donated to the center.

FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Community visitors welcome noon-3 pm at the West Seattle Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard).

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

COMMUNITY NOTARY DAY: 1-3 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), no registration required.

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), singer-songwriter John Shaw. Free, all ages.

‘WALDEN’ AT ARTSWEST: First weekend continues for ArtsWest‘s new play, 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 California SW)

MUSIC AT KENYON HALL Feral Songwriters in the Round at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm, all ages.

CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT: 7:30 pm at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd SW and SW Juneau), renowned guitarist Michael Partington will present music by Portland (OR) composer Bryan Johanson to celebrate his 75th year,

MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Pale People, Henry Mansfield, Cats with Bowties, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MUSIC AT TIM’S: Far Reaches, The Unsundered, Guilded Lilly at Tim’s in White Center, 8 pm, all ages. (16th SW & SW 98th)

REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm, Soul Focus FM. (4547 California SW)

SKATE PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Sing with Rone at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

Have a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar, where listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Seattle, WA

Seattle Mariners snap 5-game skid with 9-6 win over Astros

Published

1 day ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

Seattle Mariners snap 5-game skid with 9-6 win over Astros

SEATTLE (AP) — Randy Arozarena hit his first home run of the season and drove in three runs as the Seattle Mariners beat the Houston Astros 9-6 on Friday night to snap a five-game losing streak.

Seattle Mariners 9, Houston Astros 6: Box Score

Houston, meanwhile, dropped its fifth straight game and sixth out of seven.

With the game tied 3-3 in the fifth inning, Arozarena turned on an elevated fastball from Houston reliever Ryan Weiss (0-1) and hit it to left field for a two-run shot. It traveled 426 feet, and was Arozarena’s first regular-season home run since Sept. 9.

Seattle increased its advantage with a four-run seventh inning, which included a run-scoring double by Dominic Canzone and an RBI single by J.P. Crawford. It was the first run Crawford drove in this season after starting the year injured.

The Mariners took their first lead of the game in the opening inning as Astros starter Tatsuya Imai struggled to find the strike zone. Imai, who signed a three-year, $54 million contract this offseason after spending eight seasons with the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions, made it through just one-third of an inning against Seattle.

Houston had two big innings against Mariners starter Emerson Hancock (2-1) and the rest of Seattle’s bullpen. Astros catcher Christian Vázquez, who slotted into the No. 9 hole in the lineup, hit a two-out, bases-loaded double off Hancock that scored three runs. Left fielder Yordan Alvarez added a three-run home run in the eighth inning off right-hander Cole Wilcox.

Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz walked two hitters and allowed the tying run to come to the plate, but induced a game-ending groundout by Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña to secure his first save of the season.

Up next

Mariners RHP Luis Castillo (0-0, 2.79 ERA) faces Astros RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (1-0, 3.27) on Saturday in the second game of the four-game series.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• Seattle Mariners prospect Anderson dazzles again in 2nd pro start
• Salk: Two things about struggling Mariners are true at once
• Three encouraging things MLB insiders said about the Seattle Mariners
• Ex-Mariners OF called up by Astros before series in Seattle
• Brendan Donovan working through ‘growing pains’ at 3B

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