Forward Patrick Sharp will return to the Dallas Stars lineup after missing 12 consecutive games and 26 games overall with concussion-like symptoms. "It's always difficult when you are out of the lineup for any period of time," Sharp said. "Let alone three, four weeks, so it's always tough that first shift. Probably a little more anxious than you need to be." Sharp, who has one goal and one assist in 11 games this season, was injured Oct. 20 against the Los Angeles Kings. He returned a month later, but his symptoms returned after seven games and forced him out of the lineup. Forward Adam Cracknell likely will be a healthy scratch. Forwards Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Jason Spezza have combined for 14 points during a three-game winning streak since they were reunited on a line against the Kings on Dec. 23. "I think we're just playing with the lead more and it's forcing teams to take chances," Spezza said. "We've played together as a line in the past. I think it's just been a matter of burying some of our chances. We've been forcing teams to open up and that's when we really hurt teams." Goaltender Antti Niemi will start after Kari Lehtonen played the past three games. Niemi is 7-2-2 with a 1.95 goals-against average and .936 save percentage at home this season.
