Stars Update: Fistric, Ott Practice as Dallas Gets Back to Work

Kari Lehtonen, pictured above, participated in his first practice on Frisco ice Friday.

The Stars returned to the ice in Frisco today and went through a light one hour workout, 4 days before their first game back from the Olympic break. The Olympians already ousted from the games were not there yet, and are apparently being given until Monday to return to practice and rest their tired bones. Jere Lehtinen was sent packing by the Americans today and should rejoin the team Monday or Tuesday. I spoke with Mike Heika at practice and he speculated that should Morrow play in the gold medal game, he won't be expected back until the morning skate on Tuesday, the day of the Kings game.

It's tough to say much about a new goaltender after seeing one practice. The thing that struck everyone the most was: "Yeah, he is big." Other than that, a lot of insight's not going to be gleaned from a light practice. I don't know how the players feel about him, but from the other side of the glass, and with Marty smiling and having fun, it seemed like Lehtonen was "the other guy" out there. That's probably just me projecting my own feelings onto the situation...but the whole thing just seems like it would be tense. Hopefully it motivates Marty Turco.

Steve Ott skated with Marc Crawford before (organized) practice got going and had themselves a little chat. Oh, to be the proverbial "fly on the wall" there... Ott looked healthy, and participated in every drill. I spent the whole time wondering if I'd ever seem him there again. Cross your fingers.

Mark Fistric looked as healthy as ever and skated the entire hour. He had his knee scoped and missed the Stars last three games before the break. The Morning News reports that Sutherby's shoulder is still bothering him.

• The Stars placed Auld on re-entry waivers, meaning someone can now claim him and pay only half of his salary, so we'll wait and see there.
• Marty Turco is your starter on Tuesday against Los Angeles.
• The Canadian women celebrated on the ice, with cigars and canned beer. Stay classy, Canada. (It's not really a big deal, but still...)
• Can the U.S. hold onto the medal count with two days to go?
• Morning News: Stars eager to return to ice.
• Go Slovakia.