Stars GameDay: Struggling Stars still clutching top stair in West
Rangers at Stars
3 p.m. Saturday, American Airlines Center, Dallas
TV: FSSW Radio: KTCK/1310 AM and 96.7 FM
Records: Rangers 35-20-6, 76 points; Stars 38-18-6, 82 pts.
About the Rangers: This is their third consecutive road game in a stretch of seven of nine on the road. They won the first meeting of the season 6-2 on Jan. 5. The Rangers are 8-2-1 in their last 11 games. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist is 3-2 in his last five starts, allowing two total goals in the three wins and eight goals in the two losses. Right wing Mats Zuccarello leads the team in points (46) and is second to Keith Yandle in assists. Center Derick Brassard leads the team with 22 goals and is second with 45 points.
About the Stars: They are 1-3-1 over their past five games but continue to lead the Western Conference. The Stars have had troubling goaltending at times this season but specifically during this rough stretch. Thursday’s 6-3 home loss to Winnipeg was the NHL-high ninth time this season the Stars have allowed six or more goals in a game, and the third time in eight days. Their 2.84 goals-against average is eighth highest in the NHL. Jason Spezza has three goals in his past two games. Jamie Benn (three goals, three assists) and Patrick Sharp (one goal, five assists) have four-game point streaks.
This story was originally published February 26, 2016 at 10:52 PM with the headline "Stars GameDay: Struggling Stars still clutching top stair in West."