Stars at Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins attempt to reclaim first place in the Metropolitan Division a day after surrendering it when they host the Dallas Stars on Sunday. Pittsburgh fell one point behind Washington and are just one ahead of third-place Philadelphia in the tight division race with Saturday's 5-2 setback at Toronto.
Captain Sidney Crosby and Patric Hornqvist scored 68 seconds apart late in the third period to prevent a shutout loss for the Penguins, who had their three-game overall winning streak snapped but have captured 13 of their last 14 at home. Dallas looks to strengthen its hold on the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference and remain within reach of Minnesota for third place in the Central Division as it begins a crucial six-game road trip. The Stars will face four teams firmly entrenched in playoff positions during their string away from home, where they have lost three of their last four - with the last two defeats being 2-0 shutouts. Dallas is coming off a 2-1 home victory of Anaheim in which captain Jamie Benn set up Devin Shore's power-play goal in the third period that forged a tie before scoring one of his own with 5:37 remaining.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network
ABOUT THE STARS (38-24-6): Tyler Seguin notched a pair of assists against the Ducks for his fourth multi-point performance in five games. The 26-year-old center, who leads the team with 64 points, has landed on the scoresheet in seven of his last eight contests - collecting seven goals and six assists in that span. Dallas played Friday without defenseman Marc Methot (knee), Mattias Janmark (flu) and Martin Hanzal, who is slated to undergo season-ending spinal fusion surgery that will require a recovery time of six-to-seven months, but welcomed back Radek Faksa (foot) and Esa Lindell (illness).
ABOUT THE PENGUINS (39-26-4): Bryan Rust, who has recorded a career-high 33 points this season, sat out the loss to the Maple Leafs after suffering a concussion in Wednesday's victory at Philadelphia. "He's a tough guy to replace," coach Mike Sullivan told the team's website. "He's a real versatile player. He's a real good player, brings a lot of energy to our team, I think he helps our team speed when he's in our lineup." Josh Jooris, who was acquired from Carolina at last month's trade deadline, replaced Rust in the lineup and registered one shot in 9 minutes, 42 seconds of ice time in his first NHL game since Feb. 23 - against Pittsburgh.
OVERTIME
1. Crosby, whose goal on Saturday was his 1,101st point, is four assists shy of 700 for his career.
2. Dallas LW Antoine Roussel is expected to skate in his 400th career game on Sunday.
3. Hornqvist's tally against Toronto drew him within three points of 400 in the NHL.