Ready for his close-up: Roope Hintz to see top-line minutes vs. Wild

The Dallas Stars will play their fourth preseason game Monday night when they take on the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center, and it will feature several of the team's top players.
"It's going to be a good roster tomorrow night," Stars coach Jim Montgomery said after Sunday afternoon's practice in Frisco.
Jamie Benn and Alexander Radulov will skate on the top line with Roope Hintz at center. The Stars want to see how the 21-year-old Hintz fares playing with the team's top two wingers.

"We want to give him an opportunity to see what he can do in an offensive situation," Montgomery said.

Montgomery will also roll out what could be the team's second line to start the season with Jason Spezza centering Mattias Janmark and Valeri Nichushkin and a possible third line with Blake Comeau playing left wing with center Radek Faksa and right wing Tyler Pitlick.
On defense, Montgomery said Esa Lindell and John Klingberg would be one defense pair, and Marc Methot and Miro Heiskanen would be another.
Anton Khudobin is scheduled to play the full game in goal Monday. Khudobin and Ben Bishop both will play two of the remaining four preseason games as the two Dallas netminders get ready for the regular season.
"It's more mental than physical. They've got to stay engaged mentally and play a whole game," Montgomery said.

Gurianov making impression

Forward Denis Gurianov, the team's first-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, appears to be pushing his way into the conversation for a roster spot. Gurianov, who popped in two goals during the team's Green-White scrimmage in Boise, has continued to play well in the preseason. He scored Saturday night against Florida in Tulsa. In two exhibition games, Gurianov has one goal, one assist, and a plus-three rating.
"I think he has with his play the last two games," Montgomery said when asked if Gurianov has put himself on the bubble for a roster spot. "We actually thought he was better last night than he was in Minnesota. Credit to him. He's earned the right to still be here.
"He just needs to continue to impress and have an impact on the game. He's having an impact. He is pretty dynamic out there, and he has the ability to score goals. If you can score goals, we're going to find a place for you."

Johns expected to be OK for opener

Montgomery said the Stars continue to be cautious with defenseman Stephen Johns, who has been dealing with an injury issue.
"Just maintenance right now," Montgomery said. "He's a little banged up, and we just want to make sure he is ready for Oct. 4. So, we are just being precautionary, probably over precautionary."
Montgomery added that he expects Johns to be fine by Oct. 4, which is the season opener against Arizona.
Center Tyler Seguin, who had been on maintenance for a minor issue, practiced for a second straight day Sunday.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mark Stepneski has covered the Stars for DallasStars.com since 2012. Follow him on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.