Methot had knee surgery on Nov. 19. He last played against the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 6. Goaltender Ben Bishop will make his ninth straight start for Dallas. Bishop has held opponents to two goals or fewer in four of his past six starts, including two shutouts. Cory Schneider will start for the Devils, who are trying to avoid a four-game losing streak, which would be their longest of the season.
Players to watch
Devils forward Blake Coleman will play his first NHL game in his home state. Coleman grew up in the Dallas suburb of Plano, Texas, and scored his first NHL goal against the Stars last season. Stars defenseman John Klingberg has four points (one goal, three assists) during a three-game point streak.
They said it
"North of probably 50, 60 people. Lot to see after the game. I'll be shaking hands and kissing babies. Most people were really proactive and reached out and told me they already had tickets. It's going to be fun." -- Devils forward Blake Coleman on friends and family watching him play in Dallas "It's like any other game for me, I've been around long enough. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel on the ice. Just going to play a simple game and I've been in this situation before, so I know how to handle it." -- Stars defenseman Marc Methot on returning to the lineup
New Jersey held an optional morning skate. ... Hanzal is back in the lineup after missing three games with a lower-body injury. … Elie took part in the morning skate,but Stars coach Ken Hitchcock said he needs a couple more practice before he's eligible to return.
Stat pack
Boyle has no points in his past four games after having eight (four goals, four assists) in a four-game point streak. … Hall has eight points (four goals, four assists) in his past eight games. … Benn has eight points (three goals, five assists) in his past eight games. .. The Stars are 4-1-1 in their past six home games.
