Wild at Stars
THE STORY: The Dallas Stars have struggled at home of late, but their opponent on Saturday could help change their fortunes. Dallas has lost four of its last six contests at the American Airlines Center. However, the Stars enter with a 14-game home winning streak against the Minnesota Wild, who seek just their second win in 17 trips to the Lone Star State. Dallas has lost the last two meetings between the teams after six consecutive victories. Minnesota is 1-0-0 on its three-game road trip and has captured two straight away from home following an 11-game slide.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), TXA-21 (Dallas)
ABOUT THE WILD (25-19-7): Erik Christensen could make his debut with the Wild after being acquired from the New York Rangers on Friday. Christensen registered a goal and four assists in 20 games with New York this season. The 28-year-old scored 11 goals in 2010-11, his highest total since netting a career-high 18 tallies with Pittsburgh in 2006-07. Minnesota, which also obtained a conditional 2013 seventh-round draft pick, sent Casey Wellman to the Rangers in the deal. Defenseman Clayton Stoner is doubtful after suffering a lower-body injury in Thursday's win over Colorado.
ABOUT THE STARS (26-22-2): Jamie Benn is showing no ill effects from an emergency appendectomy that sidelined him for five games. After making his return in the All-Star Game, Benn has recorded two goals and two assists in two contests. Dallas will be without its captain as Brenden Morrow was placed on injured reserve Friday with an upper-body injury. Morrow has recorded eight goals and 22 points in 43 games this season. Tomas Vincour was recalled from Texas of the American Hockey League to take Morrow's place on the roster. The 21-year-old Vincour notched a goal and two assists in 18 contests with the Stars earlier this campaign.
OVERTIME:
1. Prior to the game, Dallas will have a ceremony honoring former goaltender Ed Belfour, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November.
2. Minnesota has won seven of its last eight games against Pacific Division opponents.