"Skating, but not ready to play," Stars coach Lindy Ruff said after practice Friday.
The Stars appear to have settled their goalie situation, and Kari Lehtonen will likely play the remainder of the series after a strong performance in Game 4. He made 24 saves, including two point-blank shots that prevented the Blues from building on their 1-0 lead in the first period.
"I'll use the word maturity," Ruff said. "There's some maturity there, there's some calmness to his game. I think he's living off his past experience, which you want every player to do, and I think he's trying to put that all behind him."
The Blues, who must win another game at American Airlines Center to win the series, could make some lineup changes.
"I just think we have to decide how we want to play the game in [Games] 5 and 6," coach Ken Hitchcock said.
Hitchcock wouldn't disclose what changes he could make, but with the teams playing approximately 38 hours after Game 4, the Blues have ready and able players who can step in if needed.
"I think the players are giving so much right now every shift, depth and competitiveness will become a big issue and with short rest, this is really three games in five days, four and a half days, so you're going to need everybody and I think the deeper we can play our lineup, the better," Hitchcock said. "We have a chance to maybe help ourselves by changing a few personnel here."
Blues team scope: One player who could be replaced is rookie defenseman Joel Edmundson, who had a critical mistake that led directly to Dallas' first goal in Game 4. Hitchcock offered words of encouragement Friday. "I think when you play in the playoffs, whether you're a young guy or not, you better have no memory because if you remember the good things, you usually don't play with a sense of urgency the next day and if you remember the bad things, you can carry it with you for years," Hitchcock said. "I think the players have done a great job of not carrying much with them to be honest with you." Another possibility is center Steve Ott, who was a healthy scratch the past two games, replacing Ryan Reaves.
Stars team scope: Right wing Patrick Eaves, who hasn't played since Game 1 after sustaining a lower-body injury after being hit by teammate Stephen Johns' shot, skated again Friday but Ruff wasn't ready to commit to him playing Game 5. "He was back skating with us today," Ruff said. "I don't think he's ready. He's a question mark for us." Eaves skated on a line Friday and if he is able to come in, Brett Ritchie will likely be the odd skater out.
