Domi is finding ways to make an impact in the Second Round

Max Domi is a high-event player.

Because of his small size and quick hands, he has learned to stick handle in tight places and create scoring chances with dazzling skill, but it can be a risky way to play hockey.

"He makes those plays that sometimes can be dangerous in the playoffs, but a lot of times they're what creates a goal," teammate Tyler Seguin said. "Just having that patience and confidence to make those plays and create and he's getting rewarded."

Right now, Domi is ending up on the good side of things. In the series against Seattle, he has two goals and five assists in five games. That's been huge, especially when you consider the Stars have been battling injuries and juggling lines. Domi is playing with everyone and finding ways to make an impact.

"We've needed him this round and he's been fantastic," Stars coach Peter DeBoer said. "Maybe our best player."

That's sweet music to Domi, who is on his sixth NHL team at age 28. Four of the teams have come in the past two seasons, in large part, because teams wanted Domi on their roster. Last season, he played for Columbus, was traded to Carolina at the trade deadline and helped the Hurricanes to the Second Round of playoffs. Then, he signed as a free agent with Chicago in the summer but became a great trade target when the Blackhawks missed the playoffs. The Stars acquired him for a Second Round pick, and he's been a great fit.

"He's a player who, right from the start, you saw he had confidence and wanted to make plays," said forward Joe Pavelski. "His speed is pretty good, he's a quick player, and he's good with the puck. He's been playing great for us. He really has. Had a really good night the other night but those are things he's been doing on a nightly basis."

Domi played on a line with Pavelski and Mason Marchment for three games to start this series, but then was switched to a line with Seguin and Marchment, and then Seguin and Joel Kiviranta. He has also played beside Ty Dellandrea.

"I think at this point, we're all familiar with each other," said Domi, who played 20 games with the Stars in the regular season. "I've played with a bunch of different guys and we're getting there in terms of chemistry."

Domi is a playmaker. He is listed at 5-10 and because of his size, he has learned to use speed and his hands to be effective.

"I think if you're playing with guys who are primarily scorers, you have to have someone else who will make plays and distribute the puck a little bit," Domi said. "That's the way it's been for my whole life. It's nothing new to me."

Domi, the son of former NHL player Tie Domi, said he has worked on his stick handling skills for years.

"A lot of it is probably from playing shinny growing up," he said. "You just try to dangle your friends and make them look bad. It's fun. I try to create space. I've never been able to outmuscle guys down low, so you've got to be creative, and you've got to beat them in other ways."

That said, there are risks involved. Domi was minus-6 in his 20 regular season games and is even in the playoffs, despite having 10 points in 11 games.

"You just have to work hard and trust your teammates," Domi said. "I think we're getting better every day."

Key Numbers

7-1

Dallas is 7-1 when scoring first, best in the playoffs. The Stars have allowed the first goal three times and lost all three games. Dallas scored first in 51 of 82 regular season games, second best in the NHL.

20

Dallas leads the playoffs in second period goals with 20. The Stars have given up 16 goals in the second period. Seattle has been outscored 16-18 in second periods.

39

Jani Hakanpää leads the Stars in hits at 39 and blocked shots at 29. He is second in blocked shots in the playoffs.

He said it

"He's getting his confidence back. He's getting his swagger back. You look around the league, he's been such a story because he hasn't scored five-on-five, but what's he got 11 points? I think there are a lot of people that would take that. If that's called a slump, sign me up for that. I think we just have such high expectations for him, but I like where his game is heading."

• Stars coach Pete DeBoer on Jason Robertson, who had seven of his first eight points in the playoffs on the power play but came up with three even-strength assists in Game 5.

Expected lineup

Robertson-Hintz-Pavelski
Benn-Johnston-Dadonov
Kiviranta-Domi-Seguin
Dellandrea-Faksa-Glendening

Suter-Heiskanen
Lindell-Hakanpää
Harley-Hanley

Oettinger
Wedgewood

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.

Video: Tyler Seguin talks about Domi's patience is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter Video: Tyler Seguin talks about Domi's patience