STL
St. Louis Blues at Dallas Stars
About the Stars

The Stars (33-20-4) last played since Sunday when they had their five-game winning streak end with a 6-0 loss to Vancouver at American Airlines Center.
"Obviously, a disappointing outcome. We kind of got embarrassed in our own building," said Stars captain Jamie Benn. "It's frustrating; it's disappointing. You've got to come ready to play every game and bring as much effort as you can."
The Stars took Monday off and have practiced the past three days as they prepare for the Blues, who are in third place in the Central Division and two points ahead of Dallas. The Stars would move into third place in the Central with a regulation win.
Starting with Friday's game, the Stars will play six straight games against teams in the Western Conference playoff race.
"You play all year to get yourself in a position where the last 25 games you are fighting for a playoff spot, you are playing big games," said Stars forward Jason Spezza. "It's why we play. It's fun. We're excited to be in the position we're in, but we know there's a lot of work to go."
Defenseman Marc Methot, who has played one game since Nov. 6 due to a knee injury, is expected to play Friday.
Left wing Antoine Roussel (back spasms) skated before practice Thursday. He is expected to skate with the team Friday morning and will be evaluated then.
Center Martin Hanzal did not practice Thursday. It was a scheduled day off for Hanzal, who is expected to play Friday.
Ben Bishop will get the start in goal vs. the Blues.
Friday's game wraps up a three-game homestand for the Stars.
Injuries:D Marc Methot (knee) is expected to play. LW Antoine Roussel (back spasms) is day to day.

About the Blues

The Blues (34-21-4) are coming off a 4-3 overtime loss at Nashville on Tuesday. The Blues led 3-0 after two periods, but the Predators rallied to tie in the third and then won it on Filip Forsberg's penalty shot goal in overtime.
"This is a game where we let it get away," said Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. "You can't let a team back in it like that when there is that amount of time in that situation."
The Blues have lost consecutive games for the first time since they dropped three straight from Jan. 6 - Jan. 9.
St. Louis activated forward Zach Sanford from injured reserve and assigned him to San Antonio of the AHL.
Friday's game wraps up a two-game road trip for St. Louis.
Injuries:D Joel Edmundson (forearm) is on injured reserve.

Season Series
  • This is the fourth of five meetings between the Stars and Blues.
  • The Stars are 1-2-0 (2 points) in the season series.
  • The Blues are 2-1-0 (4 points) in the season series.
  • Oct. 7, at St. Louis: Blues 4, Stars 2
  • Dec. 7, at St. Louis: Blues 3, Stars 0
  • Dec. 29, at Dallas: Stars 4, Blues 2

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Statistical Tidbits

This story was not subject to 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.
Read more: Jamie Benn, Ben Bishop, Marc Methot, Antoine Roussel