The Stars have been outscored 7-1 in the two losses, but they have held opponents to two goals or fewer in five of their past seven games. Dallas was 8-2-1 in its previous 11 games before the back-to-back losses. Backup Kari Lehtonen will play; he's 4-1-0 in his past five road starts. The Coyotes are 2-1-0 in their past three games after a five-game losing streak (0-1-4). Arizona has points in seven of its past nine games (3-2-4) and has held the opposition to two goals in each of its past three games.
Players to watch
Stars forward Alexander Radulov has16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in his past 10 games. Coyotes forward Brendan Perlini is on a four-game goal streak. He also scored goals in four straight games from Nov. 20-25.
They said it
"They almost look like Pittsburgh west with the style and the way they play and the pressure they put on you." -- Stars coach Ken Hitchcock on the Coyotes "We're not going to win 32 of our last 32, but if we're consistent and we're able to come in each night and get ready to compete for 60 full minutes, I think we're going to see more of what we saw in the last month." -- Coyotes center Derek Stepan on his team's improved play
Hanzal and Methot did not make the trip to Arizona. Roussel (sinus infection) will be a game-time decision. He practiced Wednesday and took part in the morning skate. Hamhuis has also been ill but is expected to play. … Demers is day-to-day. Martinook (upper body) will be a game-time decision. He missed Wednesday's practice but took part in the morning skate.
Stat pack
Klingberg has 17 points (two goals, 15 assists) in his past 13 games. Benn has 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in his past 17 games. … Dvorak has three points (two goals, one assist) in his past three games. Raanta is 3-2-3 with a 1.93 goals-against average in his past eight starts.
