Stars-Canucks Preview

Vancouver Canucks at Dallas Stars
Friday, November 25
7:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest Plus
Radio: The Ticket 1310 AM/96.7 FM
About the Stars
The Stars (8-8-5) lost 5-2 at Nashville Wednesday despite outshooting the Predators 35-21, including 22-8 in the second period.
"You build off a lot of good stuff we did in the game, and there was a lot of good stuff in the game," Stars coach Lindy Ruff said. "Our energy was good. I thought from the second period on, our breakouts coming out of our own end [were] good. Just clean up a few mistakes."
Patrick Sharp and Brett Ritchie scored goals, and Kari Lehtonen stopped 16 of 20 shots for the Stars, who lost in regulation for just the second time in the past eight games (4-2-2).
The Stars held an optional practice Thursday morning. Forward Jiri Hudler skated with the team for the first time since going out of the lineup in early November due to illness.
The Stars play at home Friday and then head out on the road for games against St. Louis, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Colorado.
Injuries: D Johnny Oduya (lower body), RW Jiri Hudler (illness), C/LW Mattias Janmark (knee) and RW Ales Hemsky (hip) are on injured reserve.

About the Canucks
The Canucks (8-10-2) won 4-1 at Arizona Wednesday. Ryan Miller stopped 35 shots, and the line of Bo Horvat, Sven Baertschi, and Alexandre Burrows combined for eight points (three goals, five assists).
"I've liked that line for three or four games," Vancouver coach Willie Desjardins said. "I think Burrows helps them, talks to them and prepares them for shifts. And the other two guys have a lot of talent. Horvat is playing well, and Baertschi has found his game lately."
The Canucks are 3-1-1 over their past five games and 4-2-1 since losing nine straight games (0-8-1) from Oct. 22 to Nov. 7.
Friday's game is the second of a three-game road trip for Vancouver.
The Canucks announced Thursday that defenseman Ben Hutton has been signed to a two-year, $5.6 million contract extension.
Injuries: RW Jannik Hansen (rib), D Chris Tanev (lower body), RW Derek Dorsett (upper body), D Philip Larsen (undisclosed) and RW Anton Rodin (knee) are on injured reserve.
Season Series
\This is the second of three meetings between the Stars and Canucks this season.
\The Canucks won the first meeting, 5-4, in overtime in Vancouver on Nov. 13, snapping a ten-game losing streak against the Stars.
\The Stars have won five straight against the Canucks in Dallas.
\Vancouver's last win in Dallas was March 22, 2012.
Statistical Tidbits
\The Stars are 5-3-2 at home.
\The Canucks are 2-6-1 on the road.
\The Stars are 3-1-2 vs. the Pacific Division.
\The Canucks are 2-0-1 vs. the Central Division.
\The Stars are 8-1-2 when scoring the first goal of the game and 0-7-3 when the opposition scores first.
\The Canucks are 2-1-1 when scoring first and 6-9-1 when the opposition scores first.
\The Canucks are averaging 2.28 goals per game, which ranks 28th in the league.
\The Stars are allowing 3.38 goals per game, which ranks 30th in the league.
\Tyler Seguin leads the Stars in scoring with 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists).
\Bo Horvat (7 goals, 6 assists) and Daniel Sedin (6 goals, 7 assists) co-lead the Canucks in scoring with 13 points.
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.