The Dallas Stars got perhaps their most playoff-ready beard back on the practice ice with the team today as Patrick Eaves returned, at least for Friday’s drills.
Eaves took initial line rushes with the second line in the typical spot of Mattias Janmark, who did participate in practice. However, coach Lindy Ruff indicated after the practice that Eaves is a “question mark” for Saturday afternoon’s Game 5 against the St. Louis Blues, so only the lineup card will eventually tell.
Since there will be no morning skate, there’s probably a better-than-average chance we see another 13-forward warmup on Saturday at the American Airlines Center.
As far as the other major injury goes, Tyler Seguin continues to skate, but he was up in Frisco with the newest black aces rather than in downtown Dallas with his teammates. Given that, it’s not surprising that he will not be available for Game 5.
For what it’s worth, here are the line rushes from Mark Stepneski:
Jamie Benn – Cody Eakin – Patrick Sharp
Valeri Nichushkin – Jason Spezza – Patrick Eaves
Antoine Roussel – Radek Faksa – Ales Hemsky
Travis Moen – Vernon Fiddler – Colton Sceviour
If Eaves does find himself ready to play, one would expect he’d slot in on the fourth line instead of the second, at least to start off. He is the team’s version of Mr. Fix-It, though, so perhaps it would cause some shuffling other places as well.
If we’ve learned anything about Ruff over the past four weeks, it’s that he has no interest in tipping his hand on such matters.
Finally, in today’s section of #ShaniaWatch
Heard @dallasstars have amazing taste in pre game music. Must have helped them to the win?! Incredible game guys!
— Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) May 6, 2016
And because the Stars Snapchat told us he was the one responsible for the music selections yesterday, Jamie Benn had to chime in in response.
@ShaniaTwain we only listen to the best! #playoffpumpupmusic
— Jamie Benn (@jamiebenn14) May 6, 2016
Sports are fun sometimes.