Stars at Jets
THE STORY: The Dallas Stars look to continue their winning ways when they visit the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday. This is the first and only meeting between the inter-conference teams. The Stars have won six straight and are playing the second game of a back-to-back. The Jets are coming off a disappointing road trip, with losses in Vancouver and Calgary. Winnipeg has had four days of rest.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSN-SW (Dallas), TSN (Winnipeg)
ABOUT THE STARS (39-26-5): The Stars are the hottest team in the NHL, with points in 11 consecutive games (10-0-1). The last time Dallas collected points in 11 straight was a 12-game stretch from Dec. 27, 2002-Jan. 22, 2003. Goaltender Kari Lehtonen has posted back-to-back shutouts against Anaheim and Minnesota. "Just the last month, he's really brought his game to a new level," Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said after his team’s 1-0 win over the Wild. "Yeah, the shutout and everything - but just how clean he was with his rebound control I think is the most impressive part to me." Dallas leads the Pacific Division with 83 points and has a four-point lead over the Phoenix Coyotes.
ABOUT THE JETS (32-29-8): The Jets begin a crucial three-game homestand starting Wednesday night. Winnipeg is 10th in the East and is six points behind Washington for the eighth and final playoff spot with one game in hand on the Capitals. Washington visits the MTS Center for a pivotal matchup on Friday. Defenseman Zach Bogosian remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury and may not be available. Fellow blue liner Dustin Byfuglien, who is also suffering from a lower-body injury, skated with the team Tuesday and expects to play Wednesday.
OVERTIME:
1. Stars forward Michael Ryder had his career-high nine-game point streak snapped Tuesday vs. Minnesota.
2. Byfuglien broke a pane of glass along the end boards with a slap shot during Jets practice Tuesday. A spectator suffered cuts from the falling glass.
3. Stars forward Jamie Benn has three goals and two assists during a four-game point streak.