Dallas Stars- Boston Bruins Preview

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

7:30 PM CST, January 16, 2014

American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

The Dallas Stars take on the Boston Bruins Thursday night with both clubs needing a win. The Stars are just 3-6-1 in their last ten games but are coming off a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers Tuesday night. Ryan Garbutt paced the Stars with a goal and 2 assists in the win.

Meanwhile the Bruins have struggled as of late. With three losses in their last four games they are currently in a battle with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the Atlantic division lead. In their last three losses, what was once a strength has turned into a major liability. The Bruins have struggled defensively as Tuukka Rask has posted just an .867 save percentage in his last four starts.

The game will be a homecoming of sorts as the Stars welcome back wingers Reilly Smith and Loui Eriksson. Smith and Eriksson were traded to Boston in July in exchange for Tyler Seguin and Rich Peverley. Both Seguin and Smith have flourished with their new clubs while Eriksson has struggled with injuries. Seguin in particular has shown much growth both on and off the ice.

If the Stars are to make a playoff push they need a strong run before the Olympic break. Hopefully tonight they’ll be in top form.