December 16, 2025
Clutch Moose: Dallas Stars GRIND Out Victory as Mikko Rantanen and Casey DeSmith Shine Bright
Locked On Stars - Daily Podcast On The Dallas StarsAbout this episode
Dallas Stars get gritty, outmuscle Los Angeles Kings as Miko Rantanen’s clutch offense and Casey DeSmith’s elite goaltending spark a much-needed 4-1 win. Are the Stars finally regaining their confidence and offensive rhythm at just the right time? Joey Erickson provides an inside look at how Dallas generated offense against a stingy Kings defense, with Matt Duchene’s resurgent form and Oscar Bäck’s net-front heroics making the difference. Key topics include Dallas’ evolving line combinations, defensive zone adjustments after injury returns, and the consequences of placing Vladislav Kolyachonok on waivers. With updates on Nils Lundkvist, Miro Heiskanen, and the backup goalie battle, Joey Erickson explores whether Dallas’ blue line depth and recharged roster are enough for a deep playoff push. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOStars?sid=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnStars Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedonstars/ #NHL #DallasStars #hockey 0:00 – Stars vs. Kings Recap Joey Erickson opens with a recap of the Dallas Stars' 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. He discusses Miko Rantanen's game-sealing performance, Casey DeSmith's red-hot streak, and overall team effort in a tough, physical game. The segment also addresses the importance of grinding out these cagey victories at home, and the Stars' current offensive struggles and the search for effective line combinations. 11:43 – Casey DeSmith’s Impact Deep dive into Casey DeSmith’s role as a top-tier backup goalie. Joey Erickson breaks down DeSmith’s statistics this season, how he outpaces Jake Oettinger in certain categories, and praises the Stars’ defensive improvements, particularly in the third period. He highlights the importance of strong goaltending amid offensive challenges and a weary team. 22:00 – Stars’ Roster Moves & Defense Focused segment on recent roster transactions due to returning healthy defensemen. Joey Erickson discusses Vladislav Kolyachonok being placed on waivers, the logic behind defensive pairings, and managing bodies on the blue line. He analyzes who stayed, who was sent down, and why, and offers thoughts on the defensive rotation as Dallas works through their injury and lineup situations. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. Monarch Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.