The Stars go Shark hunting in their first game following a 6 game road trip.
During the road trip, the Stars were able to pull out a 3-2-1 record, which is astounding considering how the past road trips have benn for the Stars. Tonight is their first game of a four game home stint.
The San Jose Sharks are first in the Western Pacific with 19 points and a record of 8-4-3. The Stars are 1st in the Western Wild Card spot though with 17 points and a record of 8-6-1. The last time the Stars faced the Sharks at home, the Stars took a 6-0 victory on December 31st, 2017, and the past 4 home games against the Sharks, the Stars have prevailed.
The Shark’s Brent Burns will be the one to watch out for tonight, he’s currently the leader in both points (18) and assists (15). The Stars points and assist leader is none other than Tyler Seguin. Tonight’s game will be the 12th game since Seguin last scored, his last goal was against Winnipeg all the way back on October 9th.
Denis Gurianov has been called up from the AHL in place of Justin Dowling. Gurianov currently has 12 points, 6 of which are goals, with the Texas Stars (AHL) at this point in the season. Gurianov plays the right wing where as Dowling was a center before being called up. Following practice today Montgomery expanded on why Dowling was switched out for Gurianov:
“Denny is a true winger. He’s speed on the outside, he’s a guy that stretches the ice with his speed. When I talk about a true center, Dowling is a puck possession guy, like Spezza is, right? So Dowling playing with Spezza isn’t a great match. Where as a guy who gets to open space and trigger the puck one time like Gurianov is a better match.”
Tonight’s lines will be:
Devin Shore – Tyler Seguin – Val Nichushkin
Jamie Benn – Jason Spezza – Denis Gurianov
Blake Comeau – Radek Faksa – Tyler Pitlick
Mattias Janmark – Jason Dickinson – Gemel Smith
Defense:
Esa Lindell – John Klingberg
Miro Heiskanen – Roman Polak
Dillon Heatherington – Julius Honka
In net will be Anton Khudobin.
Alexander Radulov still remains out of the line up with a lower body injury, Stephen Johns is also out as well still recovering from post-traumatic headaches, and Connor Carrick with an injured foot.
Tonight’s game will be a tough one but if the Stars can keep their heads up and be on the defensive drive, they’ll be able to pull out their 5th straight home win against the Sharks. The game will start at 7:30 PM CT. Let’s keep it positive Star’s fans and remember: Be Loud, Wear Green, and Go Stars!
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