The last time the Dallas Stars played the Nashville Predators, a measly three and a half weeks ago, they were flying about as high as they’ve been all season, firing on all cylinders from the transition game on down as they rolled to a 4-1 win.
Erik Cole was the offensive hero in that game with two goals, and while he’s continued to be a reliable scorer for the Stars, not many others have. The Stars have just been hurting for goals recently, not to mention, you know, wins.
They will have to do it tonight without rookie Valeri Nichushkin again, who is being healthy scratched fro the second game in a row. The term “healthy scratch” may very well be a misnomer here, as there have been reports that’s he’s both slightly banged up and a little exhausted, having played more hockey now than he likely ever has in his life. Jordie Benn will get a night off on the blueline.
Kari Lehtonen and Carter Hutton are the apparent starters.