Matt Niskanen Interview

                       By: Aaron Fischman

 

An Interview with Matt Niskanen of the Dallas Stars

Matt Niskanen is a 21-year-old defenseman for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League. Niskanen was drafted 28th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and made his debut with the Stars on March 19, 2007. His excellent defense-work as a rookie earned him an invitation to the Young Stars 3-on-3 game this season. The Young Stars game is a part of the NHL All-Star Weekend. In addition to being an excellent player on the ice, Niskanen is also very popular with his teammates. Veteran goalkeeper Marty Turco even pimped Niskanen's ride earlier in the season. Find out more about this exciting young player in our exclusive Davis Sports Deli interview.

Aaron Fischman: How did your upbringing in Virginia, Minnesota impact your life and the career path you ultimately chose?

Matt Niskanen: Hockey is definitely the most popular sport in Minnesota, especially on the iron range. I truly think it was a blessing to grow up in a small community up north. I grew up playing hockey on the outdoor rinks, which is where you learn the game and develop skills and instincts.

AF: Talk about your position and the type of role you play on the ice.

MN: I'm a two-way defenseman. My puck moving ability has been my strength, but my first job is to be a solid defender. This season I've played in all situations, such as power play, penalty kill, 4-on-4 and even strength.

AF: Who gave you the nickname "Nisky" and what does it mean to you?

MN: I don't really remember how I got the name. It probably was during baseball in junior high. It's good I guess. It's familiar to me.

AF: How's life in Dallas?

MN: Dallas is unreal. I've never been a fan of big cities. But Dallas has kind of grown on me. It's a real clean city, with lots of things to do.

AF: You turned 21-years-old a little over a month ago. How does it feel to be so crucial to your team's success at such a young age?

MN: It's really something. I never thought I'd even be here this early, much less have a fairly important role. It really has given me a lot of confidence knowing that the team and coaching staff likes the way I play.

AF: What has made the Dallas Stars so successful this season?

MN: Dallas has always been known as a solid defensive team with great goaltending. That hasn't changed. But this season we're getting scoring from lots of different players. In years past, the team relied heavily on Mike Modano to carry the load. This year everyone is chipping in with offense.

AF: What makes your team different from all other teams in the NHL?

MN: I think our team really has an identity. We have a system and all of our players are buying into it. I think some other teams change the way they play depending on their opponent. But we tend to stick with what works for us.

AF: What can you say about the other front-runners in the Pacific Division (the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks)? How do they compare with your team?

MN: All three clubs are really good. Both those clubs have a lot of big guys who play physical. I think we are the fastest of the three.

AF: In your estimation, what can be done to stop the Detroit Red Wings from running away with the #1 seed for the Western Conference?

MN: They have a solid club. Unless they run into injury problems, they will continue to win a lot of games. By no means are they unbeatable, but I think there are only a few clubs that have a chance of catching them. We are still in position to make a run at it, but it definitely won't be easy.

AF: Discuss your first career goal, against the San Jose Sharks on October 29, 2007. What went through your mind when the puck went in?

MN: I was so surprised that it went in. Modano gave me a nice cross-ice pass, I timed it, it got partially blocked and fluttered over the goalie's shoulder. It was really cool because that goal put Modano within one point of tying Phil Housley's record.

AF: What do the Stars need to do to maintain their current success?

MN: I think if we continue to play solid defensively and get good goaltending, we will be fine. Also, special teams can really carry a team down the stretch.

AF: What do you think can be done to increase the NHL's popularity domestically (in the U.S.A.)?

MN: I think the sport needs more national TV coverage. I don't think many people even get a chance to see the sport. Hockey isn't quite as TV friendly as football, either. So any advances in the actual broadcast will help. New camera angles and high definition will probably help.

We'd like to extend our thanks to Matt Niskanen for his interview. Be sure to catch the Dallas Stars on Wednesday, February 20 as they take on the Calgary Flames. The game will be broadcast on TSN and begins at 8:30 p.m. ET. Watch more hockey, people!

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