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Dallas Stars News: Ben Bishop’s Return, Injury Updates, OHL News

By Josh Clark

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 23: Dallas Stars goaltender Ben Bishop (30) is in position for a shot during the game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Dallas Stars on February 23, 2019 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 23: Dallas Stars goaltender Ben Bishop (30) is in position for a shot during the game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Dallas Stars on February 23, 2019 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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It was another busy day in the Dallas Stars news world. From changes in the goalie crease, to injury updates on various forwards, to excelling OHL prospects, it’s been a noteworthy day.

The Dallas Stars held an optional practice on Monday afternoon in Frisco. It was an important day to get back on the ice after dropping a narrow 3-2 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night.

But it was an important day in terms of Stars news, especially as they prepare for the final 10 games of their 2018-19 regular season.

Though the Stars are currently stuck in an 0-1-1 run to kick off a five-game homestand, they still sit in a promising spot. They are 5-2-1 since the beginning of March and are 8-5-1 over the past four weeks. They have improved on some of their problems, won important games against divisional opponents, and have nudged their way back into the race for a top spot in the Central.

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And after Monday, it looks as though their race to the Stanley Cup Playoffs will get even more interesting as the weeks go on. Let’s take a quick look at Monday’s updates.

Big Ben back in the lineup

Perhaps the biggest development from Monday’s practice was the announcement that Dallas Stars goaltender Ben Bishop would return to the lineup on Tuesday night.

“Yes, Ben Bishop is an option to play tomorrow,” Stars coach Jim Montgomery said following practice.

After deciding to pull himself from the Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Wild after playing nearly half of the contest, Bishop sat out the games against Vegas and Vancouver while recovering from a day-to-day injury. Landon Bow, who was recalled from the AHL to fill in during Bishop’s absence, was sent back to the AHL this afternoon.

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    • Montgomery did not confirm whether Bishop would start on Tuesday night against the Florida Panthers, but said that no. 30 is an option.

    “I think it’s watching him tomorrow morning in morning skate,” Monty added. “He said he’s a player, so we have the option of using him and, more than likely, we will.”

    Bishop is currently in the midst of a career-best year at the age of 32. Through 41 games played this season, he is 24-14-2. He also owns the highest save percentage (.933) and second-highest goals against average (2.05) in the NHL among goaltenders that have played in at least 24 games. The goalie was named the NHL’s Second Star of the Week last Monday and set a new Stars franchise shutout streak record against the Wild.

    With his dominance this season, the Dallas Stars have become a playoff hopeful. And if he can stay healthy and continue his hot streak, they just might have the boost they need to secure their spot in the postseason.

    While it’s still undecided as to whether he will start on Tuesday, having Bishop back alongside Anton Khudobin gives the Stars’ biggest asset a substantial boost.

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    • The Dallas Stars have been battered on offense for the last few weeks and have been unable to front a fully healthy lineup. But on Monday afternoon, some updates were given on the status of various starters.

    Blake Comeau will be a game-day decision for the Stars after missing Sunday’s game with a lower-body injury. He was labeled a game-time decision against the Canucks but ended up not playing. Comeau was one of the more active forwards for Dallas on Friday night against Vegas, logging four hits (including some heavy ones into the boards) and two blocked shots along with a penalty. In 67 games played this season, he has six goals and 16 points.

    There was also an update about a few of the Stars’ long-term injuries. Both Tyler Pitlick and Mats Zuccarello are expected to travel with the team when they embark on a four-game road trip next Monday.

    Pitlick hasn’t played since January 17 after suffering a wrist injury against the Los Angeles Kings. He had surgery on the wrist shortly after and was expected to miss eight weeks, which initially put his return time around the beginning of April. He’s got six goals and 10 points through 43 starts this year.

    Zuccarello was acquired on Feb. 23 ahead of the 2019 NHL Trade Deadline and made his Dallas Stars debut one day later in Chicago. He tallied a goal and an assist and seemed to make an immediate and positive impact on the Dallas offense, but had his opportunity cut short by a broken arm that he suffered while blocking a shot in the second period of his debut. He had surgery and was expected to miss four weeks.

    With both players expected to join the Stars on the trip, it seems as though everything is on schedule. And while an exact date for their return to the lineup hasn’t been configured, it’s an encouraging development for the Dallas offense.

    Prospect updates: Robertson, Felhaber finish strong in OHL

    The Ontario Hockey League wrapped up regular season play on Sunday night while plenty of Dallas Stars prospects wrapped up strong seasons.

    Jason Robertson finished atop the OHL in scoring with 117 points. He finished in seventh place in goals with 48 and second in assists with 69. The Niagra IceDogs winger was drafted 39th overall by the Stars in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

    Trailing close behind was Tye Felhaber, who finished second in goals with 59 and third in points with 109. The undrafted Ottawa 67’s winger was signed to a three-year, entry level contract by the Stars on March 1, 2019.

    The 67’s and IceDogs finished in first and second place respectively in the Eastern Conference and will now head for the OHL playoffs.

    And while the Flint Firebirds didn’t qualify for the postseason, Ty Dellandrea put up another impressive year in a tough situation. The Stars’ 2018 first-round pick finished first on the Firebirds and 50th in the OHL in points with 63.

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    It was just another busy day in the Dallas Stars news world as the race to the 2019 playoffs rages on.

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