Stars-Devils Preview

Dallas Stars at New Jersey Devils
Sunday, March 26
4:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: The Ticket 1310 AM/96.7 FM
About the Stars
The Stars (30-33-11) defeated San Jose 6-1 at American Airlines Center Friday. Adam Cracknell notched his first career hat trick for the Stars, who picked up five of six points over the past week against divisional leaders.
"It was a good feeling and especially to get a win," Cracknell said. "Now we are going on the road for a while and then coming home for three games. I think it was important to show our fans we still care no matter where we are in the standings. We are a team that can make a push in the future and a lot of guys are showing that right now."
The Stars announced Saturday that forward Patrick Sharp will have season-ending hip surgery on Tuesday. The recovery process is expected to take four to five months.
The Stars recalled C/LW Jason Dickinson from the Texas Stars (AHL) on Saturday.
Sunday's game opens a five-game road trip for the Stars.
Injuries: RW Patrick Sharp (hip surgery), RW Jiri Hudler (lower body), and LW Antoine Roussel (hand) are out. C/LW Mattias Janmark (knee) is on injured reserve.

About the Devils
The Devils (27-35-12) lost 3-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes in New Jersey Saturday night. The loss officially eliminated the Devils from playoff contention for a fifth straight season.
"I just think to continue to lose games like that is frustrating; it's tough. We're working. We just need to find a way to win. It's tough not to be in the playoffs, though," said Devils goaltender Cory Schneider.
Saturday's loss was the 14th in the past 16 games (2-12-2) for the Devils.
Sunday's game is the second of a three-game homestand for New Jersey.
Injuries: F Jacob Josefson (upper body), F Devante Smith-Pelly (lower body), and F Michael Cammalleri (upper body) are out.
Season Series
\This is the second and final meeting between the Stars and Devils this season.
\The Devils won the first meeting, topping the Stars 2-1 in overtime in Dallas on Nov. 15.
Statistical Tidbits
\The Stars are 10-21-5 on the road.
\The Devils are 15-15-6 at home.
\The Stars are 10-13-4 vs. the Eastern Conference including 5-6-3 against the Metropolitan Division.
\The Devils are 10-11-5 vs. the Western Conference including 5-5-2 against the Central Division.
\The Stars have allowed three goals over their past three games and only of those goals has come during five-on-five play.
\The Stars are 1-13 (7.7 percent) on the power play over the past seven games.
\The Devils are 6-21 (28.6 percent) on the power play over the past seven games.
\Stars defenseman John Klingberg has recorded 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in the past 14 games.
\Jamie Benn leads the Stars with 25 goals.
\Kyle Palmieri leads the Devils with 25 goals.
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.