Blackhawks at Stars
THE STORY: The Dallas Stars try to expand their lead in the
Pacific Division as they begin a four-game homestand against the Chicago
Blackhawks on Friday. Dallas, which had its six-game winning streak
snapped by Winnipeg on Wednesday, enters with a two-point division lead
over the Phoenix Coyotes. The Stars are 4-0-1 in their last five home
games and have won five of six meetings with Chicago, which is coming
off a 2-0-1 homestand.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, CS Chicago Plus (Blackhawks), FS Southwest (Stars)
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (38-25-8):
Jonathan Toews will miss his 12th consecutive game with a reported
concussion. It is believed the captain may have suffered a setback in
his recovery this week, but Chicago is not divulging much information.
"Whether it's a setback or a part of the process, that's what we're
dealing with," coach Joel Quenneville said. "It's a concern. You miss a
guy like that and look forward to having him back at some point, but at
the same time you look forward and take care of what we can control ...
and that's our next game." Chicago is 5-1-1 in its last seven games but
has lost six straight against Pacific teams and 14 of 18 overall road
contests.
ABOUT THE STARS (39-27-5): Dallas' 11-game point
streak (10-0-1) came to an end with the 5-2 loss to Winnipeg. Coach
Glen Gulutzan is hoping his team will rebound quickly. "Usually, these
things come down with a thud," he said of the streak. "They don't
usually go down in a shootout, last minute or a 2-1 (score). They
usually come down pretty hard, take the wind out of you a little bit and
maybe wake you up." Defenseman Philip Larsen is questionable after
leaving Wednesday's game with a right leg injury.
OVERTIME:
1. Chicago has scored two goals or less in each of its last five road contests (2-3-0).
2. Dallas has won nine consecutive matches against Western Conference opponents.
3. The Blackhawks are 6-21-1 in their last 28 visits to Dallas.