Page "Roman Lyashenko" Paragraph 3

Lyashenko made his NHL debut with the Dallas Stars during the 1999 – 2000 season, seeing action in 58 games, while recording six goals and six assists.

He also spent time with the Stars ' International Hockey League ( IHL ) affiliate Michigan K-Wings, notching five points in nine games.

During his rookie season in the NHL, Lyashenko played center on the Stars second line, earning praise from coach Ken Hitchcock, " His game has risen beyond his years.

He's 20 years old in age only.

He looks like a real good fit for us.

" The Stars went to the Stanley Cup Finals this season, but lost to the New Jersey Devils.

In the Stars ' first round playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers, Lyashenko scored the winning goal in the first game of the series.

During the 2000 Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche, Lyashenko scored the series clinching goal in game 7.

Lyashenko played in 16 playoff games for the Stars.

During the playoffs in his rookie season, Hitchcock was happy with Lyashenko's play, saying " He's an exceptional defensive player -- his offensive skills have improved as the season's gone on.