NHL Preview from The Sports Network
Monday, January 28th
(All times Eastern)
Dallas Stars (2-2-1) at Columbus Blue Jackets (1-3-1), 7 p.m.
(Sports Network) - The Dallas Stars hope the return of Jamie Benn can help
them halt a two-game slide, as they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets for
Monday's meeting at Nationwide Arena.
Benn missed the start of this season while locked in a contract dispute with
the Stars, but the two sides agreed to a five-year, $26.25 million contract on
Thursday.
The deal was done in time for Benn to play in Saturday's game against St.
Louis, but the forward was unable to participate due to issues with a work
visa. The paperwork was finally completed on Monday, meaning Benn is a go for
the game in Columbus.
Benn tied for second on the Stars with 63 points in 2011-12.
The Stars are 2-2-1 on the season, but have dropped consecutive games heading
into this tilt in Ohio. The good news for Dallas is the Blue Jackets are 1-3-1
on the season and have lost four straight since a season-opening win in
Nashville.
Dallas has also fared well in recent meetings with the Blue Jackets, winning
four of the last five overall encounters between the clubs and three straight
at Nationwide Arena.
The Stars were on the losing side of a 4-3 decision Saturday against the
visiting Blues. David Perron registered two goals for St. Louis, including the
game-winner late in the second period.
Michael Ryder, Tomas Vincour and Ryan Garbutt scored for a short-handed Dallas
club that was playing without Jaromir Jagr (back) and Derek Roy (groin). Jagr
is expected to return on Monday, while Roy is questionable.
Meanwhile, Cristopher Nilstorp, who was making his second NHL start, left in
the third period with a groin injury after allowing four goals on 29 shots.
Regular No. 1 goaltender Kari Lehtonen stopped all three shots he faced in
relief.
Richard Bachman has been recalled from the Texas Stars of the AHL to fill in
as Lehtonen's backup. Bachman could get the start on Tuesday when Dallas
visits Detroit.
Columbus has lost three straight in regulation during its current 0-3-1
stretch and the club was dealt a close loss Saturday against the visiting
Chicago Blackhawks. Patrick Kane recorded his fourth multi-point game of the
season with two assists, as the Blackhawks posted a 3-2 win at Nationwide
Arena.
Artem Anisimov and Mark Letestu had the goals for the Blue Jackets, while
Steve Mason finished with 21 saves.
"We're disappointed with the loss. We want to stop this skid," Letestu said.
Columbus went 0-for-5 on the power play against the Blackhawks and is just 3-
for-23 with the man advantage on the season.
01/28 17:29:27 ET
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