Dallas Stars forward Antoine Roussel will get a chance to represent France when they and Germany host the 2017 World Championship next month. Roussel missed the last part of the season with a hand injury will represent France for the 5th time.

"It is important. I grew up not wanting to play in the NHL but wanting to play for Team France. That was doable," Roussel said. "When I started playing hockey in 1992, it was just after the Olympics in Albertville. I think that is why my parents started me playing hockey. Maybe more events like this will bring more French players to the big leagues."

Joining him in the tournament will be defensemen John Klingberg representing Sweden. Julius Honka and Stars prospect Roope Hintz are in camp with the Finnish team. Val Nichushkin is currently practicing with the Russian team. (Stars Inside Edge)

Proud to launch this new tee created by my fans - available online only for a limited time: https://t.co/xNW24fanCv #DallasStars pic.twitter.com/cCCO6PBx80 — Mike Modano (@9modano) April 18, 2017

Mike Heika had his weekly Q&A session on Monday topics discussed included who the Stars might draft and protect in the expansion draft. How Klingberg might interact with new coach Ken Hitchcock, and what the team might do to rectify it’s goalie mess. (SportsDay DFW)

Podcast episode is now up in iTunes. Subscribe/like/rate here https://t.co/oRHMEdoEUS https://t.co/iiUMdnPWQO — Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) April 18, 2017

Mark Stepneski had his final Texas Stars Report till next season. (Stars Inside Edge)

Playoffs:

The New York Rangers tied their series with the Montreal Canadiens 2 games a piece after a 2-1 win last night. Rick Nash provided the winning goal for the Rangers. (Blueshirt Banter)

The Columbus Blue Jackets avoided elimination and sent the series back to Pittsburgh with a 5-4 win. The Penguins hold a 3-1 games lead. (Pensburgh)

After being shutout the last 2 games the San Jose Sharks offense came alive big time with a 7-0 shellacking of the Edmonton Oilers. Sharks Captain Joe Pavelski had 2 goals on tip ins. Oilers goalie Cam Talbot was pulled after surrendering 5 goals. (Fear the Fin)

We've had over 100 hours of free NHL playoff hockey! That's a lot of sleep lost over the first week of the postseason pic.twitter.com/jy20Cn16rc — SB Nation NHL (@SBNationNHL) April 18, 2017

The Oilers could be without forward Leon Draisaitl for a few games after his spearing to Chris Tierney earned him a 5 minute major and a game misconduct penalty. (Yahoo Sports)

The NHL announced that the Vegas Golden Knights will reveal its Expansion Draft roster and the Award show will both be held in the T-Mobile Arena on June 21st. (FanRag Sports)

Detroit Red Wings fans think Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman can fix the mess the team has become after missing the playoffs for the 1st time in 25 years. (Deadspin)

Ottawa's Mike Hoffman opened the scoring against the Bruins in Game 3 on a breakaway, but the setup was even more jaw-dropping than the score. Learn what went in to Erik Karlsson's brilliant 116-foot saucer pass. (The Hockey News)

What to do when Zach Werenski's face is broken? Make his broken face into a t-shirt. (via @RoFlo)https://t.co/h4mECyfS8a pic.twitter.com/c9ijnMlZdF — SB Nation NHL (@SBNationNHL) April 18, 2017

Finally check out the impressive stickwork by Canadiens forward Andrew Shaw during the morning skate.