[Dion]

Small size does not define Stars' defenseman Kris Russell

"He's been huge here. He's the definition of a warrior," Stars captain Jamie Benn said. "He's not the biggest guy, but he does whatever it takes to win a hockey game."

Center Jason Spezza added: "He's a pro, he's steady back there. He blocks shots, he's been able to help on the power play with Klinger out, he's on the first penalty kill and he's just a good pro."

"He's very calm, very smart, he just plays like an experienced defenseman," said general manager Jim Nill after making the deal for Russell. "He makes the little plays."

"With the personnel we have out, we're asking more of our defensemen," Stars coach Lindy Ruff said. "Russell is giving us a lot."
And as for that size thing, Ruff said he sees no problem with Russell fitting in.

"There's players like that who are very effective when they are quick to get to the right place," Ruff said. "If you're quick to get back to the puck and you make a good first pass and hit the tape, you're usually out of the zone. If you can't get back quick enough, it doesn't matter if you're 6-7 or 5-6, because you're going to be under duress and you're probably going to be facing the wall."

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dall...n-kris-russell