Nichushkin returns, Methot ruled out for Stars against Ducks

The Dallas Stars will have a different look to their lineup when they take on the Anaheim Ducks tonight at American Airlines Center to wrap up a three-game homestand.
Forward Valeri Nichushkin will return to the lineup after missing the past three games with a lower-body injury, but forward Alexander Radulov remains out with a lower-body issue, and defenseman Marc Methot will get the night off due to a lower-body injury.
As a result, the Stars, who played 11 forwards and 7 defensemen in Tuesday's 4-2 win over Los Angeles, will go back to the traditional configuration of 12 forwards and 6 defensemen. And Stars coach Jim Montgomery will move some pieces around with both his forward lines and his defense pairs.

Justin Dowling, recalled from the AHL earlier this week, will move up to the top line and play right wing with left wing Jamie Benn and center Tyler Seguin.
"You are never going to replace [Radulov], but Rads is a possession player and Dowling his whole career has possessed the puck," Montgomery said. "We're hoping that will get a little more going for that line. Now, ultimately, it's up to Seggy and Jamie to make that line go. They are the ones that have to make our team go, not only their line."

Tyler Pitlick, who played on the top line Tuesday, will move to the second line with Devin Shore and Jason Spezza. Radek Faksa will center the third line with Mattias Janmark and Blake Comeau. Nichushkin will skate on the fourth line with Jason Dickinson and Brett Ritchie.
"We're going to start [Nichushkin] on the fourth line, and if he is playing with the right amount of pace we will move him up," Montgomery said.
On defense, the top pair of Esa Lindell and John Klingberg stays together. The other two pairs will be Miro Heiskanen-Connor Carrick and Julius Honka-Roman Polak.
"Heiskanen and Carrick had a real good game against Anaheim (Oct. 13), so we are going to let them play together," Montgomery said. "There's probably going to be a little bit of mixing and matching depending who is on the ice for Anaheim, but all those six guys have played at least five games for us this year, so we are confident with them."
Ben Bishop, who did not take part in this morning's optional skate at the AAC, is the expected starter in goal for the Stars (4-4-0)

Opposition watch: Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks (5-4-1) lost 3-1 at Chicago Tuesday. John Gibson stopped 35 shots for the Ducks who have lost three straight after starting the season 5-1-1.
The Ducks have allowed 128 shots over their past three games and are allowing 37.9 shots per game, most in the league. Gibson, who is expected in goal tonight, has faced 294 shots, most of any goalie in the league and has stopped 279 for a save percentage of .949.
Forward Nick Ritchie, younger brother of Stars forward Brett Ritchie, made his season debut Tuesday after finally getting a contract done with the Ducks last week.

Stat pack

Tonight's game

Who:Anaheim Ducks at Dallas Stars
Where:American Airlines Center
When: 7:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio:The Ticket 1310-AM/96.7-FM

Stars projected lineup

Jamie Benn - Tyler Seguin - Justin Dowling
Devin Shore - Jason Spezza - Tyler Pitlick
Mattias Janmark - Radek Faksa - Blake Comeau
Valeri Nichushkin - Jason Dickinson - Brett Ritchie
Esa Lindell - John Klingberg
Miro Heiskanen - Connor Carrick
Julius Honka - Roman Polak
Ben Bishop
Anton Khudobin
Scratch:Gemel SmithInjured:Marc Methot (lower body), Alexander Radulov (lower body), Stephen Johns (post-traumatic headaches), Martin Hanzal (back)

Ducks projected lineup

Nick Ritchie - Ryan Getzlaf - Rickard Rakell
Andrew Cogliano - Ryan Kesler - Isac Lundestrom
Ben Street - Adam Henrique - Pontus Aberg
Max Comtois - Sam Steel - Kiefer Sherwood
Hampus Lindholm - Brandon Montour
Cam Fowler - Josh Manson
Marcus Pettersson - Luke Schenn
John Gibson
Ryan Miller
Scratched:Joseph Blandisi, Andrej Sustr
Injured: Corey Perry (knee), Patrick Eaves (shoulder), Ondrej Kase (concussion), Jakob Silfverberg (upper body), Carter Rowney (upper body)
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mark Stepneski has covered the Stars for DallasStars.com since 2012. Follow him on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.