Key matchup: Philippe Boucher vs. Jason LaBarbera
Boucher is a former Kings player who had five goals among nine points in eight games against Los Angeles last season. LaBarbera is expected to be in net for the Kings.
Key stat: 8-0-0
The Stars' record last season against the Kings. A season series sweep of eight games has happened only nine times in NHL history.
Injuries
Dallas ? C Mike Ribeiro (ankle) is probable and D Niklas Grossman (shoulder) is questionable.
Los Angeles ? G Jean-Sebastien Aubin (groin) is out.
Notable
The Kings (1-2-0) started the season with two games in London and are coming off a 5-3 loss to St. Louis on Saturday. ... Dallas (1-2-0) is coming off a 5-1 loss in Nashville on Saturday. ... Marty Turco is expected to start in goal. He had a 1.77 GAA and .934 save percentage in five games against the Kings last season. ... Dallas has several ties to the Kings, including defensemen Philippe Boucher and Mattias Norstrom, coach Dave Tippett and director of player personnel Dave Taylor.
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Ribeiro's return to help stabilize Stars' lines
Stars coach Dave Tippett knows all about juggling lines.
One of his favorite sayings, "If it ain't broke, you're not looking hard enough," gives a little insight into how much he believes players have to be flexible and ready to change partners at a moment's notice.
But even Tippett is excited about the prospect of going back to something a little bit familiar. Center Mike Ribeiro is expected to make his first appearance since suffering a high-ankle sprain in training camp. If Tippett's plans hold up, Ribeiro will be on a line with Brenden Morrow tonight against the Los Angeles Kings, and Mike Modano will be on a line with Jussi Jokinen and Jere Lehtinen.
That's a formula for success the team relied upon last season.
"He is a good fit with Brenden, they've shown that," Tippett said of Ribeiro. "They've had some chemistry in the past. Ribs is very good with the puck, and Brenden is good around the crease. They mesh well together."
The combination could give the Stars a little consistency in what has been a spotty 1-2-0 start. Ribeiro, who will make a final decision after the morning skate on whether he is ready to go, said he believes in consistency among lines.
"I think it's very important," he said. "The more you play with the same players, the better you are as a line."
Although Ribeiro played at times last season with Loui Eriksson or Eric Lindros, his right wing tonight will probably be Niklas Hagman. A natural left wing who shoots left and is playing out of position, Hagman's biggest strength is he skates in hard on the forecheck and he gets to the front of the net.
"I think that's good for me," Ribeiro said. "They go hard, and I can kind of trail behind. It seems like it can work."
Ribeiro said that even though starting the season with an injury has been frustrating, it's better than changing teams a few days before the season opener. Ribeiro did that last season when he was acquired by the Stars from Montreal. Although he went on to lead the team in scoring with 59 points, Ribeiro said the transition was difficult.
Mike Ribeiro (right) and Brenden Morrow (10) haven't played a significant game together since the playoffs last season.
AP
Mike Ribeiro (right) and Brenden Morrow (10) haven't played a significant game together since the playoffs last season.
"Last year was kind of hectic, just trying to fit in," he said. "But even with the injury this year, I know the guys, I know how I fit in, it's just easier. I'm looking forward to finally getting out there. I've been wanting to get into a game for a long time."
The ripple effect of his return could also help the team, as Modano said he'd like to get out with his old linemates again.
"Those things that have worked in the past, they're comfortable and you're familiar with them," Modano said. "Brenden and I work well together, but I think he and Mike are a good fit. And, I know, [Lehtinen and Jokinen] are comfortable with me."
Smith injured, Stephan recalled: Stars goalie Mike Smith suffered a bruised arm when he was hit by a shot in practice Tuesday. He will be re-evaluated today and is listed as day-to-day. Because Smith probably cannot serve as the backup goalie tonight, Tobias Stephan has been recalled on an emergency basis and will sit on the bench.
Hockey fights cancer: Each team has selected a night to help support the causes of the Hockey Fights Cancer foundation. The Stars will have their's tonight. Players will wear pink stickers on their helmets and fans are encouraged to wear something pink. Donations will be accepted at American Airlines Center.
Boucher is a former Kings player who had five goals among nine points in eight games against Los Angeles last season. LaBarbera is expected to be in net for the Kings.
Key stat: 8-0-0
The Stars' record last season against the Kings. A season series sweep of eight games has happened only nine times in NHL history.
Injuries
Dallas ? C Mike Ribeiro (ankle) is probable and D Niklas Grossman (shoulder) is questionable.
Los Angeles ? G Jean-Sebastien Aubin (groin) is out.
Notable
The Kings (1-2-0) started the season with two games in London and are coming off a 5-3 loss to St. Louis on Saturday. ... Dallas (1-2-0) is coming off a 5-1 loss in Nashville on Saturday. ... Marty Turco is expected to start in goal. He had a 1.77 GAA and .934 save percentage in five games against the Kings last season. ... Dallas has several ties to the Kings, including defensemen Philippe Boucher and Mattias Norstrom, coach Dave Tippett and director of player personnel Dave Taylor.
==============
Ribeiro's return to help stabilize Stars' lines
Stars coach Dave Tippett knows all about juggling lines.
One of his favorite sayings, "If it ain't broke, you're not looking hard enough," gives a little insight into how much he believes players have to be flexible and ready to change partners at a moment's notice.
But even Tippett is excited about the prospect of going back to something a little bit familiar. Center Mike Ribeiro is expected to make his first appearance since suffering a high-ankle sprain in training camp. If Tippett's plans hold up, Ribeiro will be on a line with Brenden Morrow tonight against the Los Angeles Kings, and Mike Modano will be on a line with Jussi Jokinen and Jere Lehtinen.
That's a formula for success the team relied upon last season.
"He is a good fit with Brenden, they've shown that," Tippett said of Ribeiro. "They've had some chemistry in the past. Ribs is very good with the puck, and Brenden is good around the crease. They mesh well together."
The combination could give the Stars a little consistency in what has been a spotty 1-2-0 start. Ribeiro, who will make a final decision after the morning skate on whether he is ready to go, said he believes in consistency among lines.
"I think it's very important," he said. "The more you play with the same players, the better you are as a line."
Although Ribeiro played at times last season with Loui Eriksson or Eric Lindros, his right wing tonight will probably be Niklas Hagman. A natural left wing who shoots left and is playing out of position, Hagman's biggest strength is he skates in hard on the forecheck and he gets to the front of the net.
"I think that's good for me," Ribeiro said. "They go hard, and I can kind of trail behind. It seems like it can work."
Ribeiro said that even though starting the season with an injury has been frustrating, it's better than changing teams a few days before the season opener. Ribeiro did that last season when he was acquired by the Stars from Montreal. Although he went on to lead the team in scoring with 59 points, Ribeiro said the transition was difficult.
Mike Ribeiro (right) and Brenden Morrow (10) haven't played a significant game together since the playoffs last season.
AP
Mike Ribeiro (right) and Brenden Morrow (10) haven't played a significant game together since the playoffs last season.
"Last year was kind of hectic, just trying to fit in," he said. "But even with the injury this year, I know the guys, I know how I fit in, it's just easier. I'm looking forward to finally getting out there. I've been wanting to get into a game for a long time."
The ripple effect of his return could also help the team, as Modano said he'd like to get out with his old linemates again.
"Those things that have worked in the past, they're comfortable and you're familiar with them," Modano said. "Brenden and I work well together, but I think he and Mike are a good fit. And, I know, [Lehtinen and Jokinen] are comfortable with me."
Smith injured, Stephan recalled: Stars goalie Mike Smith suffered a bruised arm when he was hit by a shot in practice Tuesday. He will be re-evaluated today and is listed as day-to-day. Because Smith probably cannot serve as the backup goalie tonight, Tobias Stephan has been recalled on an emergency basis and will sit on the bench.
Hockey fights cancer: Each team has selected a night to help support the causes of the Hockey Fights Cancer foundation. The Stars will have their's tonight. Players will wear pink stickers on their helmets and fans are encouraged to wear something pink. Donations will be accepted at American Airlines Center.
