The Dallas Stars didn’t hold a morning skate this morning, opting to have players meet at the airport before flying to Minnesota for the preseason finale against the Wild.
Based off recent lines and combinations, the Stars will likely role out a lineup that looks like this:
Remi Elie — Jason Spezza — Brett Ritchie
Antoine Roussel — Martin Hanzal — Devin Shore
Gemel Smith — Radek Faksa — Tyler Pitlick
Jason Dickinson — Roope Hintz — Adam Cracknell
Marc Methot — Jamie Oleksiak
Esa Lindell — Julius Honka
Dan Hamhuis — Stephen Johns
Ben Bishop
Kari Lehtonen
As stated in the daily post this morning, it’s an opportunity for Shore and Hanzal to solidify themselves as a pairing for Ken Hitchcock.
It’s reminiscent of last season where Shore missed the entire preseason with an ankle injury, but returned for the preseason finale and eventually played all 82 regular season games. Hanzal is in that situation this year, and a strong showing against the Wild would knock off the rust before opening night against Vegas.
Tonight is a big game for the young forwards trying to make the roster. Remi Elie seems to have the leg up and could win the final roster spot, but Jason Dickinson, Gemel Smith, and Roope Hintz could swing Hitchcock’s opinion with a standout showing tonight.
Hitchock has stated that he’s already picked his six defenders. However, if Julius Honka is going to change the coach’s mind, tonight would be that opportunity playing alongside Esa Lindell.
Ben Bishop will start and play the entire game.
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