Preview: Stars set to open home-and-home series with Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes at Dallas Stars

About the Stars

The Stars (2-3-0) are coming off a 3-1 win over Colorado Saturday. Center Tyler Seguin registered a "Gordie Howe hat trick" in the game, notching a goal, an assist and fighting former Stars defenseman Patrik Nemeth. Jamie Benn and Esa Lindell also scored goals, and Ben Bishop stopped 22 of 23 shots.
"We've played five games. I've felt the same about this team in every game, and that is that I am really going to enjoy the process of a team that wants to have the knowledge to get better," said coach Ken Hitchcock, who moved into third place on the all-time NHL coaches win list with his 783rd. "The step today, for me, was how we played when it went 2-1. We dug in and played really hard, and that's the next step for me."
In Monday's practice there were no changes to the lines or defense pairs used in Saturday's games, but Hitchcock indicated that he wanted to get defenseman Jamie Oleksiak, who was a healthy scratch Saturday, back into the lineup.
"We took a player out that didn't deserve to come out, and he needs to get back in right away," Hitchcock said. "We'll look at that."
Tuesday's game is the first of a home-and-home series with the Coyotes. The Stars and Coyotes play Thursday in Arizona.
Injuries: None

About the Coyotes

The Coyotes (0-4-1) lost their fifth straight game to open the season, falling 6-2 to Boston Saturday in Glendale. The Coyotes scored late in the first to take a 1-0 lead, but the Bruins scored 36 seconds later to tie and then scored three straight in the second period to take control of the game.
"The second period, it was chaos," Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet told media after the game. "That's my fault. I thought I had them ready to go. A couple guys were loose, not getting the puck in deep. Some guys go off the grid. I'm kind of embarrassed for the fans."
The Coyotes have been outscored 22-11 through their first five games.
G Antti Raanta did not practice Monday. He is day to day with a lower-body injury. F Brad Richardson (maintenance) didn't practice Monday but is probable for Tuesday.
F Zac Rinaldo is eligible to play after serving a five-game suspension.
The Coyotes recalled G Adin Hill from the AHL and assigned G Marek Langhamer to the AHL.
Injuries: D Kevin Connauton (lower body) is available. G Antti Raanta (lower body) is day to day. D Jakob Chychrun (knee) and F Brendan Perlini (upper body) 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.