:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21532407/20131004_ajw_ac5_220.0.jpg)
The Dallas Stars goals against average could get a big boost in the near future as starting goalie Kari Lehtonen has been activated from injured reserve.
Its been five games since Lehtonen was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Oct.11. He played the first three games for the Stars before going down with a lower-body injury during their game against the Winnipeg Jets. His return will be a big help for a team that has been struggling to win without him.
Many of the Stars problems were not directly the fault of either Dan Ellis or rookie goalie Jack Campbell, but Lehtonen certainly gives the team its best change to make up for defensive-zone blunders.
Aaron Rome has also been brought back to the Stars active roster. The defenseman was assigned to Texas on a conditioning assignment after he was cleared to play following hip surgery in the off season. His reassignment to Dallas will mean that the Stars are carrying eight defensemen and decisions will have to be made. Who will stay in Dallas and who will be reassigned? Or will they carry eight defensemen for the foreseeable future?
Mike Heika indicated earlier this morning that Jim Nill's short-term plan was to carry eight defensemen along with 12 forwards and the soon-to-be-suspended Ryan Garbutt. Longer terms plans are definitely a question mark, though.
Jack Campbell got his first taste of NHL action in Lehtonen's absence, and he'll be able to take the experience and hoping build on it throughout the rest of the AHL season. He was officially reassigned to the Texas Stars when Dallas activated Lehtonen.
Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the team has activated goaltender Kari Lehtonen from injured reserve. Dallas also recalled defenseman Aaron Rome from his conditioning assignment with the Texas Stars, Dallas' development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL), and assigned goaltender Jack Campbell to Texas.
Lehtonen has missed the last five games after being placed on injured reserve retroactive to Oct. 11 when he suffered a lower body injury. In three games this season, he has posted a 2-1-0 record and is tied for second in the League with a .953 save percentage and fourth with a 1.57 goals against average.
Rome recorded three shots and six penalty minutes in three games with Texas during his conditioning assignment.
Campbell made his NHL debut on Sunday night against the Anaheim Ducks, stopping 41 of 47 shots.
The Dallas Stars host the Calgary Flames on Thursday, Oct. 24 at American Airlines Center. Puck drop for Thursday's contest is scheduled for 7:30 pm CT.