Dallas Stars try to build momentum during home stretch

Rangers at Stars

7:30 p.m. Thursday,

American Airlines Center, Dallas

TV: FSSW Plus

Radio: KTCK/1310 AM and 96.7 FM

Records: Rangers 20-10-1, 41 points; Stars 12-13-6, 30

About the Rangers: Forwards Rick Nash (groin) and Matt Puempel (concussion) practiced Wednesday and could return against the Stars. Nash, who has 18 points (11 goals, 7 assists) in 27 games this season, has been out for a week. Puempel has missed the past four games after taking a stick to the chin against the Islanders. ... Captain Ryan McDonagh (flu) did not practice but traveled with the team to Dallas and could be available. ... New York assigned Nicklas Jensen to Hartford of the American Hockey League. ... The Rangers, who are 9-5 on the road this season, are coming off Tuesday’s 2-1 home loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.

About the Stars: Dallas opened a five-game homestand in impressive fashion Tuesday, scoring five third-period goals to rally past Anaheim 6-2 and snap a two-game losing streak. The six goals matched a season high for the Stars, who have struggled to generate offense in recent weeks. ... Goaltender Antti Niemi is 6-1-1 at home this season with a 1.99 goals-against average and .938 save percentage. ... Forward Curtis McKenzie (upper body) missed Tuesday’s game but coach Lindy Ruff said he is not expected to be out long. ... Dallas is 8-4-2 at home and plays seven of its next eight games at American Airlines Center. ... Patrick Eaves scored a goal Tuesday and leads the team with 11. Tyler Seguin leads the team with 31 points (10 goals, 21 assists) and Jamie Benn is second with 27 (9 goals, 18 assists).

This story was originally published December 14, 2016 at 5:49 PM with the headline "Dallas Stars try to build momentum during home stretch."