Lehtonen returns to practice for Stars

Injured Dallas Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen participated in a full practice Friday after missing the past three games with a lower-body injury.

Lehtonen has not played since leaving late in the second period of the team's 4-1 win against the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 11.

Lehtonen is not likely to play in either of the team's games this weekend, Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings or Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks. But coach Lindy Ruff sounded confident his franchise goaltender could be back to start against the Calgary Flames on Oct. 24.

"I think anytime he's out there practicing it's a good sign. I didn't expect him coming in and practicing but he's feeling pretty good," Ruff said. "In my eyes, if we get by the weekend, he should be ready to play."

That means backup Dan Ellis is likely to start his fourth straight game Saturday against the Kings. Ruff also did not rule out the possibility of playing rookie backup Jack Campbell in one of the back-to-back contests.

"There's a possibility with that quick turnaround we may look to Jack," Ruff said.