Dallas Stars remain cautious with James Neal’s injury

Posted Saturday, Nov. 07, 2009 Comments   (0) Print Share Share Reprints
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By MIKE HEIKA

Special to the Star-Telegram

DALLAS — James Neal tweaked a groin Wednesday against the Calgary Flames, so he sat out Friday against Vancouver and is not expected to make the trip to Minnesota today for the second of back-to-back games.

It’s part of the Stars’ decision to be cautious with injuries this season.

"We want to be sure," Stars coach Marc Crawford said. "He could maybe play [today], but if he misses both games, then we don’t play again until Thursday."

Neal is the Stars’ leading goal-scorer with nine and is on a seven-game scoring streak (six goals, four assists for 10 points in those games). He played the entire game Wednesday against Calgary, but was just worn down by relentless checking from a physical Flames defense.

Crawford said he didn’t think Calgary was targeting Neal because of his goal-scoring prowess. He said that’s just what happens against the Flames.

"He’s going to see defensemen like that, and that’s part of the game," Crawford said. "I don’t think they are targeting him, they’re just playing physical. James is a guy who is going to play around the crease, and he’s going to have to deal with that. But he’s a guy who I think thrives on that."

Neal played 77 games last season, as well as five in the minors.

Petersen steps in

With James Neal out, veteran Toby Petersen stepped in to fill the void.

Petersen, 31, was a healthy scratch the game before. Crawford said he was happy to get the hard-working forward in the lineup.

"He has played very well, and he deserves to be in the lineup," Crawford said. "You are happy you are healthy and you have to make tough decisions, but it’s good to see him get in, because he has been very good."

Skrastins solid

Karlis Skrastins continues to look good blocking shots, particularly on the penalty kill. He was huge on a third-period penalty kill.

"His shot blocking on the penalty kill — that’s infectious," Marc Crawford said. "The guys get elevated on the bench because of it."

Briefly

Right wing Krys Barch and defenseman Jeff Woywitka were healthy scratches for the Stars.

Dallas is 1-1-1 in the second game of back-to-back games this season. They were 5-9-1 last season. Dallas has 12 series of back-to-back games this season. They had 15 last season.

Vancouver has had 95 man games lost to injury already this season.

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