41-year-old forward Ray Whitney back in Dallas lineup after missing 5 games with groin injury

DALLAS - Ray Whitney was back in the starting lineup for the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night after missing five games with a groin injury.

The 41-year-old left wing returned to play against Anaheim, his 1,279th career game. Whitney is in his 21st NHL season, his second with the Stars.

Whitney was hurt on Nov. 9 at Chicago in a 5-2 loss. At that point, he had played in all 17 games and was third on the team with seven assists. He was still tied for third when he got back.