from Pierre LeBrun of ESPN,

The preseason World Cup of Hockey mixed in with the introduction of a five-day bye week in the second half this season has made this a crazy, crazy schedule.

"Definitely the condensed schedule and the competitiveness of the league, I think it has something to do with it," Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill said Thursday.

The Stars at one point or another have had injuries to six of their top-nine forwards since the start of training camp.

"You're going to have injuries every year, but I would definitely say the condensed schedule this season and the competitive nature of the league are factors. Every night is like a playoff game, pretty much," said Nill. "The game has also never been faster."

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman, who again has to cope with life without Stamkos, had a theory about all the injuries.

"These players train hard, they’re in amazing shape, they work out year-round, they work hard all season on the ice, off the ice, I don’t know, does all that take a toll on their body?" wondered the Hockey Hall of Famer.

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