I love that Wandell guy, too, or, a happy note in a dismal game

Just about the only highlight worth mentioning from last night's lackluster performance by the Dallas Stars (love you guys, but, really…) was the couple of times Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (yes, really, Quick, and Daryl Raugh proclaims it the best goalie name in the NHL) got startled by Dallas Stars #23, Tom Wandell. The puck had been shot around the boards in LA's zone when no one was particularly near, and Quick leisurely swung behind his net to play the puck, as goalies are wont to do. Two times, though, as he was hitting the puck, he looked up and appeared to be startled by the fact that Wandell had suddenly appeared right in front of the net.

(For you non-hockey-fans, this is not a good thing for the goalie. If someone on the opposing team manages to get a hold of the puck he just played, the guy in front of the net is in the perfect position to tap it into the net—which the goalie left unprotected when he wandered off to play the puck. And because he's behind it, it takes him a few seconds to get back in place.)

Wandell magically "appeared" at the net because he's fast. I think (I have no research to back this up) he's the fastest skater on the team. When the puck flies down the boards and everybody take off after it, it takes about three strides for Wandell to be out in front. He's fast.

I noticed two times when Quick actually appeared to jump a little bit when he looked up and saw Wandell right there. After the second time, I'm guessing Quick thought, "Note to self: look for #23 before I do that again."

I love that Wandell guy!

And while we're talking about hockey, kudos to the Stars' marketing department for suddenly developing a sense of humor. The last two bobblehead night promotions have been great! (They showed a funnier version of the Jamie Benn spot at the game last night, though, that has him at the end, deciding not to shave.)

Steve Ott bobblehead:

Jamie Benn bobblehead: