Canucks at Stars
THE STORY: The Stars are trying to hold on to their lead in the Pacific Division and the third spot in the Western Conference. Dallas runs the risk of falling to eighth in the West with a loss to the Canucks. The Stars have won the last two meetings with Vancouver, which had won the six previous encounters. The Canucks could be without winger Daniel Sedin, who took an elbow to the head Wednesday.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Rogers Sportsnet Pacific, Fox Sports Southwest.
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (43-21-9): Vancouver could be down to just one Sedin after Daniel left Wednesday’s overtime loss to Chicago after getting elbowed in the head by Duncan Keith in the first period. Sedin joined the ensuing power play but left the ice minutes later and did not return. The Sedin brothers have struggled, recording a combined eight points in the past 11 games. Daniel appeared to snap out of his funk with two goals in Saturday’s win over Columbus, with Henrik assisting on both. His status for Thursday is unknown.
ABOUT THE STARS (40-28-5): The Kings and Coyotes are nipping at the Stars’ heels in the Pacific Division, just one point behind them heading into Thursday’s action. Dallas picked up a ton of momentum with a 4-3 shootout win over Phoenix on Tuesday. The Stars’ penalty kill nixed all three Coyotes’ power plays and has extinguished 57 of their opponents’ last 61 power-play chances over the last 18 games.
OVERTIME:
1. Dallas netted two goals in the second period Tuesday, marking the 11th time this season it has score multiple goals in the middle frame. The Stars are 9-2-0 in those games.
2. Mason Raymond was back on the ice Wednesday after being a healthy scratch by Canucks coach Alain Vigneault, who was upset with Raymond’s lack of production.
3. The Stars are 7-2-0 to start the month of March.