Off The Ice With Richard Bachman!

(Photo courtesy of Darren Abate)

Tomorrow night the Dallas Stars continue their homestand against the Vancouver Canucks.

A team Dallas overcame a 3-1 deficit last Friday to defeat 4-3 in British Columbia.

Similar to what befell the Stars Sunday afternoon with the Flames goalie Richard Bachman was gracious enough to 'Hang w/ Mr. Will' in addition to addressing the Blitz Nation.

Richard, being in a position where you will now be the starting goalie (with Kari Lehtonen on injured reserve) and having Christopher Nilstorp as a call-up does this feel like a double edge sword where you have to draw the line between a leader and a mentor?

'Yeah, definitely. You want to step up while Kari is out and you want to give your team every chance to win. That's why it was a little tough tonight to lose a lead in the third period no matter where you are ot who you play. I think the biggest thing is trying to lead by example...not only for Nilstorp who has tons of experience and has played at the highest level. He's pretty much got it figured as an older guy but for the younger guys down below you just have to bounce back. You don't let one bad period determine how you feel or where things are going to head. You have to stay positive and just to be the best you can be the next period out there.'

Kind of a role reversal/deja vu because on Friday night your team was facing a 3-1 deficit. You came back to win 4-3 whereas the opposite occurred this night. What happened?

'Yeah, well, I'd say the first five to eight minutes we were back on our heels somewhat. They were (Calgary Flames) throwing a few pucks at the net and such, trying to create and we let them into the paint area...the scoring chance area.

After that we picked it back up and we began pressuring them. But in this league these teams can kill you. A team like Calgary can make you pay within 5-10 minutes if you're sitting back so we have to make sure we keep going north and pushing the pace up ice.'

Prior to tonight your team had won 6 out of 8. Friday night you completed a span of the schedule where you began playing 9 of 13 on the road. Now you have a hearty span of home games to look forward to. That has definitely weigh in your favor.

'Yeah, definitely. I think it will be nice to have a few days at home to practice, to play, to be in your bed and in familiar surroundings, and play some home games without having to deal with the travel and a set routine. This will be very beneficial at an important time for us.'

When you see Christopher tell him 'Happy Birthday' it was also the same day as his call up. We thank Richard Bachman for the time.

'Yep. Thank You!'