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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Stars Go For Stability As They Meet The Coyotes In Arizona

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

The Dallas Stars are about to have their second road rematch of a recent home win. They face off against the Arizona Coyotes today at 3 p.m., and they’re looking to continue a productive points-earning stretch that has them ensconced in third place in the brutal Central Division.

The pride of Kazakhstan, Anton Khudobin, is set for another start, reports The Dallas Morning News’ Matthew DeFranks. Number One G Ben Bishop is still out with what has been classified as an upper-body injury. But it looks as if his absence is due to end soon:

“He’s not ready, so we’re going to put him on IR, and he should be ready by Tuesday,” Stars coach Jim Montgomery said. “We just don’t want to take a chance, and it’s not fair to him to back up and not feel 100 percent.”

Bishop did not practice with the rest of the team Friday afternoon in Scottsdale, but did work on the ice with goaltending coach Jeff Reese.

Bishop and Khudobin have formed one of the league’s best goaltending tandems this season, and the Stars’ cumulative .918 save percentage ranks second in the NHL. Both Bishop and Khudobin are in the top six in both save percentage and goals-against average among goalies with at least 20 games played.

The entire lineup will remain basically unchanged, which means blueliners Julius Honka and Connor Carrick will eat their sixth consecutive healthy scratches:

Montgomery said the coaching staff tries to push them during practice to keep Honka and Carrick sharp.

”On the ice, we try to make sure that they get more reps than other people, especially in a practice like today, so they’re handling 2-on-1s and getting their feet moving,” Montgomery said. “The onus is upon them to be good pros, and that when we call upon them, they can come in and add to us.”

There’s more under the paywall. [SportsDayDFW]

Stars Stuff

Team photographer Sean Berry is documenting the Stars’ first Moms’ Trip, and it’s wonderful.

The lady who long advocated for an excursion like this is no longer with us, but she’s present in spirit, DeFranks writes.

What are you doing tonight? You could be joining Marty Turco for the Dallas Police Department Charity Game.

Around The League(s)

It was quiet – too quiet – last night. But the Carolina Hurricanes won their first game in Madison Square Garden since 2010, shutting out the New York Rangers 3-0. [Canes Country]

Artemi Panarin is done talking about his contract status, but he’s adopted a novel way of communicating that.

Why does Matt Larkin keep pushing for the Columbus Blue Jackets to trade Breadman to the Preds? Stahp. [The Hockey News]

Also at THN: Check out the latest odds for the Stanley Cup, and some other pretty good postseason hardware.

It’s Hockey Day in Canada, and six of the nation’s seven NHL teams are playing.

Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park

Gritty gets (way too many) headlines, but Ringo the Ringtail has been a breakout hit as the Texas Stars’ high-impact mascot. Here he is, offering to personally deliver your Valentine.

Finally

Your daily dose of Miro Heiskanen hype. Enjoy.

Talking Points