Denis Shapovalov catches NHL action between Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks ahead of Dallas Open 2023
Denis Shapovalov caught some National Hockey League (NHL) action as he attended the Dallas Stars vs Anaheim Ducks game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Monday, February 6.
The home team ultimately edged out the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in a shootout. Dallas Star captain Jamie Benn was recognized for his accomplishments during a commercial break in the game as he led the team for the tenth season and skated into his one-thousandth NHL game.
Shapovalov took to social media to share pictures from the event. In one, he can be seen enjoying the game alongside his coach Peter Polansky and fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura. He captioned the post:
"With the boys."
The Canadian also shared a view of the court from his seat close to the Dallas Stars goalpost.
He then posted a picture of compatriot Tyler Seguin in action. The Dallas Star forward scored their second shootout goal which sealed the victory for the team.
The 23-year-old is scheduled to play his first match at the Dallas Open on Wednesday, February 8, after receiving a first-round bye. He will square off against the winner of the clash between Wu Yibing and Michael Mmoh.
Denis Shapovalov's 2023 season so far
Denis Shapovalov has had a lukewarm start to the season so far. The Canadian went through coaching changes, some trouble with his serving-style and emotional outbursts on-court, ending the previous season as World No. 18. Since then, his ranking has taken a dip and currently stands at No. 27.
The Canadian started the year by competing at the Adelaide International 1. He made it as far as the quarter-finals at the event before falling to the eventual title winner Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
Shapovalov then went on to compete in the year's first Grand Slam tournament, where he was the quarter-finalist last year. However, he did not make a deep run in the competition this time, as tenth seed Hubert Hurkacz overcame him in a five-set match.
Shapovalov shared his sentiments on the loss via social media.
"Tough one yesterday but I know I’ve gotta find the positives in the [heartbreak] and fight to come back stronger. Thanks for the support everyone," he posted.
and fight to come back stronger. Thanks for the support everyone 
🏼 #ausopen
Tough one yesterday but I know I’ve gotta find the positives in the 💔 and fight to come back stronger. Thanks for the support everyone 🙏🏼 #ausopen https://t.co/yHmLUfaAN1
The southpaw is currently competing at the Dallas Open, where he is seeded third, next to Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe as the top and second seeds, respectively.