Stars GameDay: Central Division leaders meet for third time

Stars at Blackhawks

7:30 p.m. Thursday, United Center, Chicago

TV: FSSW Radio: KTCK/1310 AM and 96.7 FM

Records: Stars 34-15-5, 73 points; Blackhawks 36-17-4, 76 pts.

About the Stars: Dallas has split two games with Chicago this season, both at home, winning 4-0 on Dec. 22 and losing 5-1 on Saturday. The Stars won 4-3 in overtime at Minnesota on Tuesday, their third road victory in a row and all against Central Division foes. Defenseman John Klingberg hit the game winner, his third overtime goal of the season. He is second among blueliners in points (44), including a team-high 35 assists. The Stars are the only Western Conference team averaging more than three goals a game (3.22) and the only NHL team to have five players with 40 or more points.

About the Blackhawks: Chicago opened a four-game homestand Tuesday, losing 2-0 to San Jose and snapping a three-game win streak. It was their third shutout loss in seven games and only their second at home this season where the Blackhawks are 21-6-1. Right wing Patrick Kane continues to lead the league in points (76) and goals (32) and is second to Ottawa’s Erik Karlsson in assists (44). Kane is also a plus-22, good for fifth in the NHL. Goalie Corey Crawford is 31-13-2 and among the NHL’s top six in goals-against average (2.10), save percentage (.931), wins (31) and shutouts (7).

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 5:36 PM with the headline "Stars GameDay: Central Division leaders meet for third time."