LAS VEGAS -- Jason Spezza will be back at center Sunday.
It's sort of the way of life for the veteran forward who will play regular-season game No. 1,019 of his career. There was a time when Spezza had a regular spot as a No. 1 center in Ottawa and was producing a point a game. And even in his first couple of seasons as the Stars' second-line center, he knew what to expect every game and had seasons of 50 or 60 points.
But at age 35, Spezza knows he has to be more adaptable. On Friday, he slid to the right wing to make way for the return of center Martin Hanzal, and saw his minutes drop to 9:56 -- a season low. He has played as much as 18:44, so he also can be a huge part of the Stars' attack.
"I definitely get it," Spezza said after Friday's 3-2 win over San Jose. "I wasn't as good tonight, so I didn't get the minutes. Other games, I've been better and I get more minutes."
For Spezza, change part of Stars building a contender
The veteran leader hopes his openness to adjusting daily can serve as a good example for the entire team