Preview: Stars return home for clash with Oilers

Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars

The Stars fell to 2-4-1 in their past seven games overall and sit in seventh place in the Central Division.
"We've got to look at ourselves in the mirror," Benn said. "We are far away from being at an elite level like Tampa is right now. We've got to put the work in and try to keep getting better."
Defenseman Marc Methot (lower body) practiced briefly Friday, but it is still not ready to play. He will miss his fourth straight game due to the injury. Brett Ritchie is expected to return to the lineup after sitting out the past two games as a scratch.
Kari Lehtonen will get the start in goal.
The Stars play three of their next four games at home where they have won six of their past seven games.
Injuries:D Marc Methot (lower body) is out.

About the Oilers

The Oilers (7-10-2) lost 4-1 to St. Louis in Edmonton Thursday. The game was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes, but the Blues dominated the second period and took the lead for good on an Alexander Steen power-play goal. The Blues tacked on two more goals in the third.
"They were better than us in a lot of areas tonight," Oilers coach Todd McLellan told media. "It was spread out amongst the team. It was a team loss tonight, we just didn't play well."
It was the third loss in the past four games (1-2-1) for the Oilers who were expected to be one of the top teams in the West this season but are seventh in the Pacific Division.
"[The Stars] have lost a couple in a row and obviously we're not happy with our game. It will be grumpy teams going at it," said Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl.
Saturday's game opens a five-game road trip for the Oilers.
Injuries:LW Jujhar Khaira (upper body) is day to day. LW Anton Slepyshev (lower body) and D Andrej Sekera (knee) are out.

Season Series

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 Mark on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.