Preview: Stars begin season-ending trip at San Jose

Dallas Stars at San Jose Sharks

About the Stars

The Stars (40-31-8) won their final home game of the season, defeating Minnesota, 4-1, at American Airlines Center on Saturday. Kari Lehtonen stopped 33 shots, and John Klingberg and Tyler Seguin both had one goal and one assist for Dallas.
"We've been playing pretty good hockey at home the whole year," said Klingberg. "The crowd has been amazing, and they gave us a chance to win every night. Obviously, for us closing out a game this season like this at home is really huge for us. I feel like we played a really good game, 60 minutes today."
The Stars were officially eliminated from the playoff race Sunday night when Anaheim rallied to defeat Colorado in overtime. The Stars have missed the playoffs the last two seasons and eight of the last 10.
"It's a tough one today. A huge disappointment," Klingberg said after Monday's final home practice in Frisco. "At the same time, we've got to stay professional here, keep practicing and building for the future. It was a good practice today, some battle drills to prepare for the road trip."
Tuesday's game kicks off a three-game road trip that will finish the regular season for the Stars.
G Ben Bishop (knee) and D Stephen Johns (possible concussion) won't travel on the trip.
The Stars assigned forward Jason Dickinson to Texas (AHL) on Monday.
Kari Lehtonen will start in goal Tuesday.
Injuries: G Ben Bishop (knee), D Stephen Johns (possible concussion) and C Martin Hanzal (back) are out.

About the Sharks

The Sharks (44-25-10) lost 3-2 at Vegas Saturday. William Karlsson's highlight-reel shorthanded goal midway through the third period snapped a 2-2 tie and clinched the Pacific Division title for the Golden Knights. The Sharks missed out on a chance to clinch a playoff spot but remain in second place in the Pacific Division.
"The good news is we've set ourselves up to finish this season off with three home games and an opportunity to clinch home-ice advantage, which is something that's been a goal of ours from Day 1," Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said. "So, we'll sweep this one under the rug and get ready for the next one."
Saturday's loss was the third straight for San Jose following an eight-game winning streak.
Tuesday's game opens a three-game homestand to close out the regular season for the Sharks, who went 1-2-1 on a four-game road trip.
Injuries: F Joe Thornton (knee), F Eric Fehr (lower body) and F Barclay Goodrow (broken finger) are out.

Season Series

Statistical Tidbits

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mark Stepneski is an independent writer whose posts on DallasStars.com reflect his own opinions and do not represent official statements from the Dallas Stars. You can follow him on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.