HOCKEY: Stars not slowed by injuries, while Sharks try to steady play

The Dallas Stars aim to extend their points streak to nine games when they host the San Jose Sharks on Friday.

Dallas comes into the matchup with a 6-0-2 record in its last eight games, six of which were on the road. The Stars return home following a two-game trip that included a 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Rangers on Tuesday and a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday.

Securing a shutout in the second half of a back-to-back is always impressive, but Dallas’ win over the Devils came a day after another key player was sidelined with an injury. Tyler Seguin’s season is likely over after he suffered an ACL injury against the Rangers.

The Stars were already missing three defensemen—Thomas Harley, Nils Lundkvist, and Lian Bichsel—to long-term injuries. Forward Matt Duchene had also been out for the last 23 games with an upper-body injury. Duchene’s status has now been upgraded to day-to-day, meaning Dallas could soon see the return of its points leader from the 2024-25 season.

Even with a short-handed lineup, Dallas ranks second in the NHL with 41 points, trailing only the Colorado Avalanche, who have 44 points through Wednesday.

“It’s crazy how many injuries we’ve had this year and a lot of guys stepping up, especially the defensive corps… Lots of mixing and matching,” Stars captain Jamie Benn said. “Different lines, different positions, and it’s just about going out there and getting the job done.”

The Stars’ steady performance stands in contrast to the inconsistent Sharks. San Jose has gone 3-4-0 in its last seven games, alternating between impressive wins and tough losses.

Wednesday’s 7-1 defeat to the Washington Capitals was perhaps San Jose’s harshest loss yet. The result matched the Sharks’ season high for goals allowed and marked their second six-goal loss in five games.

Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky called the defeat “a reality check” and a reminder against complacency.

“I think we get comfortable having a little bit of success and sometimes think it’s going to be a little bit easy for us,” Warsofsky said. “Human nature is to come off it a little and feel comfortable, so we’ve got to feel uncomfortable.”

Following the lopsided loss, San Jose begins a five-game road trip with a visit to one of the NHL’s top teams. The Stars have been perfect against the Sharks over the past two seasons, winning all six matchups.

Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov struggled in Wednesday’s game, allowing four goals on 12 shots before being pulled. Askarov had recently moved into a regular starting role, but he has now been pulled in two of his last four starts. Backup Alex Nedeljkovic is expected to start if the Sharks decide to give Askarov a breather against Dallas’ high-powered offense.

Macklin Celebrini leads San Jose with 14 goals and 26 assists. In just his second NHL season, the 19-year-old phenom has already racked up 40 points, ranking among the league’s top scorers.

Dallas forwards Jason Robertson (17 goals, 36 points) and Mikko Rantanen (12 goals, 35 points) are not far behind Celebrini on the scoring leaderboard.

After a 30-save shutout against New Jersey, Jake Oettinger is expected to start again for Dallas. Oettinger is having another strong season, posting a 12-4-2 record with a 2.60 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage over 18 starts. -Field Level Media/Reuters Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images