The Stars (26-17-3) made it 2-for-2 on their current road trip, defeating the Detroit Red Wings, 4-2, at Little Caesars Arena Tuesday night. Jason Spezza, who had been a healthy scratch in the previous game, scored two power-play goals, including the game-winner, and Radek Faksa and Martin Hanzal also scored for the Stars.
"We won the game because of the second-wave players," Stars coach Ken Hitchcock said. "The things we've been harping on for a month now, we got in the last two games. Big plays by second-tier players, and that's exactly what we need if we're going to win. If we expect to be a playoff team, that's the next step."
The Stars are 7-3-1 in their last 11 road games and 8-3-0 in their last 11 games overall. They are in the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference, two points out of third place in the Central Division and four points behind first-place Winnipeg.
Defenseman Dillon Heatherington will make his NHL debut Thursday. The Stars acquired him from Columbus at last season's trade deadline for forward Lauri Korpikoski.
"His first game. He's excited. We're excited," Hitchcock said.
Ben Bishop will start in goal Thursday.
Thursday's game is the third of a four-game road trip for Dallas.
Injuries:Marc Methot (knee).