The Dallas Stars are heading out on their longest road trip of the year, and they’re looking to get their first win away from the AAC this season.
First up this trip is a stop in Detroit, where the Dallas Stars will take on the Red Wings.
There have been a lot of question marks on the roster lately, and the Stars head out on the road with plenty of them still to answer.
Stephen Johns, who has been on IR since the start of the season, is on the road trip, but won’t play today like he’d initially hoped.
More from Blackout Dallas
- Dallas Stars Traverse City Tournament: Who had great performances?
- Grushnikov and Stankoven lead Dallas Stars to 6-3 win over Columbus
- Dallas Stars prospects look to wrap up tournament with a win
- Burn the tapes: Dallas Stars prospects lose 5-1 to Toronto Maple Leafs
- Dallas Stars look to continue success today against the Maple Leafs
When Johns returns, the Stars will have 8 defensemen again, and that hasn’t turned out well in the past. They’ll need to make some decisions when Johns is ready to come back. As none of the potential options to send down to the AHL are exempt from waivers, the possibilities could include a trade for some depth scoring.
On the note of depth scoring, things have really turned around the past two games in that regard, with six players getting their first goal of the season. It’s a relief to finally see things happening offensively from players who aren’t on the top line, but they need to keep that going this road trip. Last time the Stars were away this season, there was only one goal scored between both games, and that can’t happen again this time.
Alexander Radulov is going to be evaluated again today before the game and might play. If he does, he’ll be back to the top line, but if not, Justin Dowling will get another shot up there.
As with Johns, decisions will need to be made when Radulov comes back, and even more when Martin Hanzal returns. Someone will have to sit out to make room for Radulov, but Dowling played well and there’s no easy choice of who to scratch after the game the Stars had against the Ducks.
Game Information
Dallas Stars (5-4-0) at Detroit Red Wings (1-7-2)
4:00 PM CT – Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI
Away TV: FOX Sports Southwest Plus (Josh Bogorad and Daryl Reaugh)
Home TV: FOX Sports Detroit (Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond)
Away Radio: Sportsradio 1310 AM and 96.7 FM The Ticket (Josh Bogorad and Daryl Reaugh)
Home Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (Ken Kal and Paul Woods)
Online Streaming: NHL.tv, Fubo.tv
Last Season vs. Detroit: 2-0-0
Dallas Stars Injury Report
Martin Hanzal: Hanzal is still on IR with no changes, but he has been skating a little bit.
Stephen Johns: Johns is not ready to go yet, but he is on the road trip and could be back at some point in the next few games.
Alexander Radulov: Radulov is questionable for tonight, but if not tonight, it sounds like he should be back this week.
Detroit Red Wings Injury Report
Danny DeKeyser: DeKeyser has been on IR for about two weeks after injuring his hand.
The Red Wings are desperate for a second win, but the Stars can overpower them if they come out and play like they have been the past two games.