Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco out with flu-like symptoms

Posted Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 Comments   (0) Print Share Share Reprints
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By MIKE HEIKA

Special to the Star-Telegram

Marty Turco has flu-like symptoms, and that’s enough for the Stars to be cautious.

With the H1N1 virus a concern throughout North America, Dallas decided to sit Turco and bring in Matt Climie from the minors on an emergency basis to serve as backup goalie.

"With the flight to Nashville [Friday night], and everything that’s going on, you really don’t want to take any chances," Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk said. "We’ve seen teams in the league really battle against flu, and we want to stay on top of that."

It’s not expected that Turco has H1N1, and he worked out at the morning skate Friday and looked fine. Still, Alex Auld started against Florida on Friday and the Stars don’t play again until Wednesday at home against Calgary, so missing Turco for one game seemed like a pretty safe move.

"We’re hoping this isn’t a big deal, but we just are taking every precaution," Nieuwendyk said.

While Auld is expected to start in back-to-back games, Climie, 26, is more than ready to play. He went 2-1-0 in the NHL last season as a call-up with a 2.92 GAA. This year with the Texas Stars of the AHL, Climie is 2-1-2 with a 1.35 GAA and a .954 save percentage.

Neal playing well

While James Neal leads the Stars in goal-scoring, he also leads them in takeaways with 15 heading into Friday’s game. Neal is known as an offensively talented player, but he also was outstanding as a two-way forward in junior hockey and played on a checking line when he was part of Team Canada at the World Juniors.

"He’s got good hands, and he reads the play well, and he just catches people by surprise," Marc Crawford said. "He’s very focused on that part of the game."

Ott to return

The Stars played seven defensemen Friday and alternated Mark Fistric and Jeff Woywitka at wing. With Steve Ott returning from a two-game suspension for a low hit on St. Louis defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo, the Stars are expected to return to a more natural format with 12 forwards and six defensemen against Nashville.

Briefly

Mike Modano (ribs) and Jere Lehtinen (intercostal muscle) skated Friday morning, but did not play. They will probably rest one more game and be ready Wednesday against Calgary.

The Stars play 12 back-to-back series this season. They had 15 last season.

James Neal played in his 100th NHL game Friday.

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