This was set up by a Christian Ehrhoff delay-of-game penalty... and some great passing. Mike Modano found Sergei Zubov cross-ice, and he found Jere Lehtinen coming down the slot by himself (with Sharks all around, but not close) for the 1-0 lead. Stars up at the 6:14 mark on the power play.
Oh yes, he's back, folks.
Sergei Zubov takes a whack at it on the Stars' 5-on-3 and it gets through everyone, including Evgeni Nabokov's legs. That ties the score, 1-1, just 47 seconds into the period.
The Stars are looking for more so far. Mike Ribeiro was pretty close to giving the Stars a lead but he just missed on that pass. I believe that was from Zubov, too.
I had to check first to make sure it's Monday. One thing about being a beat writer: You lose track of what day is what. Every day feels the same! Anyway, the updates:
One, really. Sergei Zubov is apparently feeling just fine after last night's game, and Dave Tippett expects him to be back out there tomorrow for Game 3. I asked if he was dressing seven defensemen again, but he wasn't sure at the moment. Zubov is ready to up the minutes, so we'll see how the Stars gradually work him back up to his usual numbers.
Oh, and tidbit about Brad Richards: He's the first player in franchise history to get four points in a period in a playoff game. Pretty impressive. Last guy to do it was Alex Moginly (former Devils man) in 2001.
Hey folks. I'm sitting in San Jose Airport way before the crack of down. I think I slept last night but I have no real proof. Anyway, talk of the game:
All I can say is, wow. That third period was as big of a statement as the Stars have made in this postseason, with their third period in Game 2 against the Anaheim Ducks a close second. Very similar, actually. Couple of points:
** Yes, Sergei Zubov's skating wasn't his best. Three months off, here. But the man's passing and shooting haven't suffered a bit. I talked to him after the game, said he felt good. We'll see where his soreness level is today, but I think it was best his first game was Game 2, not Game 3 when he'd have a very short recovery time for Game 4.
** Mike Ribeiro's goal was ridiculous. He said afterward that he's actually had three goals like that off Evgeni Nabokov. According to Ribeiro, he's scored one off the inside of his leg, off his back and now off the back of his skate. That line was carrying the load through the first period, especially.
** Marty was great again. Yes, he probably wishes he would've stayed put on the Milan Michalek goal (who's to say Michalek still wouldn't have scored), but if not for Marty in the first period the Stars have more than a one-goal deficit staring at them to start the third.
** Welcome back, Brad Richards. We missed you in Game 1, and part of Game 2. But you reminded us again why the Stars picked you up at the deadline. Great goal to open the third, and it changed everything. Co-GM Brett Hull probably wore a smile in his sleep last night.
** I still find it a bit amusing that the third period, the period that doomed the Stars over and over again through that horrible March, has been their strongest in these playoffs. They're burying the opposition in that final 20 minutes, although I'm guessing the guys would like to enter it with a lead again. This is the third consecutive game they trailed to start.
**Niklas Hagman said it doesn't matter if he doesn't score, as long as the Stars keep winning. Nevertheless, he needed that game. By the way, credit Jennifer Floyd Engel for her prediction of Hagman getting off the schnide.
OK, folks, I'm fighting sleep deprivation hard. I've got a lengthy layover in Denver, so I'll be back.
Just saw the scratches sheet, and there's no line through Sergei Zubov's name.
So he's a go, kids. We'll see how this plays out. Oh, and the Stars are dressing seven defensemen for this one. I'm guessing that's a just-in-case move.
Just got done talking to coach Dave Tippett, and here's the Zubov report: He'll skate in warmups, then decide if he can play or not.
We're down to this folks. So we'll stay tuned to see if he comes out of the tunnel that second time.
That's the word on Sergei Zubov for tomorrow night's Game 2 vs. San Jose. So if Zubov tells Dave Tippett, "I'm ready," then he's on the ice. Once again, Zubov looked pretty good out there. Skating was fine, shot was fine, it was all fine. So we'll see what the decision is. Since I was surprised he didn't play in Game 1, I will be stunned if he's not in there for Game 2.
The Stars won't skate in the morning, since game time is 6 p.m. out here. So we'll find out when we get over there tomorrow afternoon.
Sorry it took me so long to post this tonight, kids. I knew there were no hot updates, and the day got much busier than I thought it would originally be.
According to Dave Tippett, Sergei Zubov is not a go tonight. The guy looked pretty darned good out at morning skate today, and if nothing else, his shot has lost none of its zing. But Tippett said it was up to Zubov, and Zubov apparently isn't quite there.
Now, not only am I sarcastic, but I'm also a cynic. During this time of year, I usually don't buy what people are selling in terms of injury reports and when a guy is fully healthy: that's because there are a lot of ruses come playoff time! So would I be surprised to see Zubie tonight? No. But we'll find out for sure when we get back to the arena in a few hours.
Sorry,
This is an answer to someone who asked about Zubov, and other roster chances. Defenseman Nolan Baumgartner was reassigned back to Manitoba today. Forgot to throw that into my previous post.
Yep, the Russian defenseman showed us a few smiles today when he came off the ice. And why not? It's been a long haul for Zubov, who's finally coming to the end of a frustrating season's worth of injuries. So is he available for the series? "Possibly," he said. He looked like he was enjoying himself out there, said he's feeling better. His teammates, not surprisingly, are happy to see him back.
So we'll keep an eye on the situation.
Sergei Zubov skated, in full pads, with most of his teammates today. Dave Tippett said that it's a big positive that he took the full practice. Yes, it sounds like Zubov is a go at some point in the second round. When that is, exactly, we're not sure yet. But the potential of his return has to make Stars fans giddy.
Philippe Boucher, however, isn't anywhere near skating. The hip is apparently giving him a lot of issues. So it doesn't sound like he's even on the radar right now.
Meanwhile, the Stars are just waiting for tonight's Calgary-San Jose game to figure out who plays who, and where. There's a big difference here, depending on the outcome. If San Jose wins, the Stars are getting ready to get out of town in a hurry, with a probable Thursday game on the docket. If Calgary wins, the Stars can sit back and enjoy the first two games at home.
I got a strong feeling about Calgary tonight... that, or just the overwhelming feeling of 'I don't want more West Coast deadlines.'
I've lost track of how many Zubov updates I've written, so just insert whatever number you would like.
Anyway, Zubov skated today in Frisco, and he'll probably be out there with whichever group skates tomorrow (it's an optional for the boys). As much as this little "break" benefits the Stars, I'm sure it benefits, Zubov, too. He gets a few days to possibly work out with the team. Don't know when he'll be ready, but April 28 will be near the four-week mark of getting that second hernia surgery.
Hey folks,
Busy day in the locker room today. Well, a lot of media turned out, anyway. The guys were feeling pretty good, no doubt, about what they've already done. Yes, one of the topics was about this team's lack of winning postseason games at home. I have a theory, though:
This is the postseason of redemption. Marty Turco is playing great, and he's getting help from his offense. The Stars have stayed away from the really stupid penalties, especially at crucial times. So are home playoff victories next on the list? Just curious.
Anyway, Sergei Zubov skated today on his own. He was apparently in a sweatsuit, so no pads and practice yet. Said Tippett: "He's not on the radar yet." Mattias Norstrom also was absent from practice, but that was just a rest day.
First, the defenseman: Sergei Zubov had a "procedure" done overseas to fix "lingering problems from a sports hernia," according to coach Dave Tippett on Thursday morning. Zubov will fly back to Dallas tomorrow, and the Stars will re-evaluate after that. This procedure apparently, according to Tippett, "allows him to come back quicker."
Now what constitutes "quicker"? The surgeon that did Zubov's procedure is the same one who did Brad Lukowich's back in February. He was back in about a month. If Zubov is on the same time frame, you would think he would be out at least the first round, depending on what the Stars do in the postseason.
The sports hernia was a lingering problem for Zubov. Whether or not the other injuries added to the hernia problem, who knows. Either way, it seems Zubov has taken care of the problem. We'll see what we can find out this weekend.
Brad Richards will not play tonight. He's still ailing, so he's out for the evening (it's not mono). The guy must not feel good, because he's not much for missing games. He had a streak of 354 straight going into tonight, and this will only be the third missed game of his career. Not too bad there.
Oh, and Johan Holmqvist will get the start out here tonight. Marty Turco will take tomorrow's game against the Desert Dogs in Dallas, as well as the regular-season finale against San Jose on Sunday.
Whew... and just like that, I'm tired.
The news doesn't sound too good on defenseman Sergei Zubov. He didn't skate today, as he went to see specialists for his ongoing injuries. And won't skate for the next few days. Coach Dave Tippett called the situation "a concern." When asked if the problem was the foot or the groin, Tippett said, "all of the above."
That can't be good.
So if Zubov can't even skate until this weekend at the earliest (and that's me just guessing here, nothing else), could he be ready for the first game or two of the playoffs? Definitely not the best news for the Stars at the moment.
Sergei Zubov looked pretty good out there in practice today, but Tippett said he's doubtful for today's game against the Loss Angeles Kings. Oh well. There's always hope we'll see him Sunday night against Anaheim. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if it's just a choice of keeping him out of the L.A. game so he's good and ready on the second half of this back-to-back. Why throw him in for the Kingies if not completely necessary. And it shouldn't be necessary.
Then again, I thought that game would be a cakewalk for the Stars last Saturday, so that shows what I know.
Philippe Boucher said he felt fine after last night's game. Little tight, little rust, but that's it. Not a whole lot else to report, so we'll see you tomorrow.
Dallas Stars coach Dave Tippett said defensemen Sergei Zubov (foot) and Philippe Boucher (shoulder) are "day to day" and getting closer to returning. Boucher will be re-evaluated Thursday morning to see if he could be possibly ready for San Jose. Zubov is unlikely to return Thursday.
Lines were again shook up in practice with Mike Modano returning to a checking line with Steve Ott and Stu Barnes. Brad Richards, who was teamed with Modano and Barnes on Monday, centered a line with Niklas Hagman and Loui Eriksson.
--Milenko Martinovich
Sorry, just feeling full after a big lunch. There really wasn't any practice day to speak of. It was picture day, then rest-yer-bones day.
Sergei Zubov and Philippe Boucher skated after the pictures were done, and both say they're feeling better by the day. When do they play? Up in the air. If Boucher plays on Thursday, Dave Tippett said he would have to have a great Wednesday practice. Both will be on the trip, so we'll see if either/both are in for Saturday or Sunday's game.
I was a bit surprised to see him skating with the teammates, in full gear, on Friday. But there was Sergei Zubov, doing just that. Good luck keeping the reins on that guy over these next few days. But relax, folks, he won't be playing tomorrow. Looks like they won't truly get a good evaluation of him for a few more days, probably by mid-week.
Philippe Boucher was out there again, too, but he's also out for tomorrow. Steve Ott is in; no doubt he's ready to unleash a little venom. Marty Turco will get the start tomorrow.
I love my hockey, but let's be honest... this is college basketball's day. I love these first two days, especially, of the tournament. And, boy, does this stuff look good in HD. I can see the individual threads in Baylor's uniform.
Anyway, onto practice. Sergei Zubov skated before the team this morning. I asked him how it went: "Not bad. Not bad at all." Dave Tippett said Zubov told him he was "pleasantly surprised." Good things to hear. Philippe Boucher skated with the team, but that's really all he was doing. No big timetable yet for this one. He's just thrilled that he's not skating by himself anymore.
Steve Ott will be back in the lineup on Saturday. No doubt the guy is buzzing to get back in there, and if nothing else the Stars could use his energy.
Big, big, huge, ginormous game on Saturday. Every game is a must-win now, really. But these guys need a statement game. They need to come out so angry and fiery and determined that they beat the Kings in every way possible. They need a reversal of fortune. Badly. (Yeah, that's my news flash of the day).
We didn't get word about anything at today's morning skate thanks to all the travel woes of yesterday. The docs were checking in with Sergei Zubov in Frisco this morning while the rest of the team skated at the AAC. Coach Dave Tippett said there should be an update tonight after the game.
I talked with Sergei Zubov this morning about his return. The guy's just itching to get back into the lineup (no surprise there). In his words, "I'm just going crazy, you know." Zubov was set to actually see his doctor today, but with the weather situation as it is, coach Dave Tippett wasn't sure when the doctor was getting into town. Either way, it's going to take a very clear "go ahead" before he starts doing anything. Here's a little more of Zubov:
"It's no fun. It's two months and it's frustrating. You can't really do anything about it. But I'm looking forward (to getting back). I'm excited, and I'm ready to jump right back in. It's just a matter of days now."
"The toughest thing for a player is to sit and watch. When you talk about two months and missing 20-something games, it's quite difficult. I'm just going crazy, you know."
Sergei Zubov was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy by the Dallas chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. The trophy is presented annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
This has to be one of the toughest seasons of Zubov's career. The man loves the game, and his groin and foot injuries have kept him away for about two months now. The Stars are hoping he's skating by the end of this week and playing by the end of the month. No doubt they could use his services, and his leadership, right now.
It's far too late for me to be singing that, but it's appropriate enough considering what's going on outside. Hey, as a Pennsylvania native, I'm happy to finally see REAL snow falling down here. This is like lake-effect snow, actually, with those big flakes. But for those who have to drive in this later, be safe.
Anyway, onto the Stars. Not a whole lot shakin' out there today (the guys had a meeting, then an optional skate). Sounds like Philippe Boucher's status hasn't changed: week to week. I feel terrible for the guy. He plays with all that pain through the first part of the season, gets the surgery, then hurts his other shoulder.
Sergei Zubov, meanwhile, is progressing as he should. No, he's not skating yet. Probably still about two weeks from that. The Stars will be back at it tomorrow morning before heading to Colorado. Big, big weekend coming up for the boys.
Sergei Zubov had a screw inserted into his injured foot and will be out 3-4 weeks, according to coach Dave Tippett. Zubov had apparently gone to a specialist who told him to get this fixed now.
The Stars were hoping Zubov would be back on the ice sometime this week. Instead, they're keeping their fingers crossed that he gets some work in before the playoffs. "Ideally, if he gets back and gets skating the last week of March and plays the first week of April, that's very good," Tippett said.
Philippe Boucher continues to skate. Following morning skate, Dave Tippett said Boucher, "won't be a player this week, but possibly next week." That's great news. You can see the chomping-at-the-bit look starting to creep onto Boucher's face in practice. But he, like any player coming off a long injury, is by no means willing to rush back too soon.
Sergei Zubov, meanwhile, is still walking around but not skating. Tippett said they may have a better idea by the start of next week when he could resume skating.
Sergei Zubov has officially been placed on IR, retroactive to Jan. 17. Zubov isn't even skating right now, with that groin and foot still bothering him.
Marty Turco did NOT make the trip to Minnesota, so look for Mike Smith starting tonight. Tobias Stephan was recalled on an emergency basis as a backup tonight up here. Turco's neck was still pretty sore from the Tuesday night scrum. No real surprise that he would've been out anyway tonight, but I'm sure the Stars wanted to make sure they had a healthy backup just in case.
Sergei Zubov was out of today's practice, and his status is still considered week to week with his foot and groin injuries. Philippe Boucher is skating, but that's about it right now. He's not taking shots and his return is still about a month away.
Sorry, folks, running late on this:
Sergei Zubov is week to week with foot and groin issues. Tippett said this morning he's getting better, but it wasn't good enough for them to bring him up on this trip for the moment.
Jere Lehtinen won't go tonight. Tippett reiterated that he's "real close," but he'll at least be sitting this one out. I think he had just gotten off the ice as we were talking to Tip, so we'll see when he comes back into the lineup.
Turco goes tonight. Tippett said they'll figure out later how they juggle these two over the back-to-backs coming up Friday and Saturday in Edmonton and Calgary, respectively.
Sergei Zubov did not make the Western Canada trip, so he's sidelined at least the next three games. I wasn't at practice yesterday, so I don't know the extent of his injury. The Stars weren't too worried about it before the break, and it may not be. But it may be enough of a concern that they don't want to hurry him in for three games, just to have him tweak something again. Hopefully find out more today on that.
Anyway, it's about 40 and very pretty up here in Vancouver. Yes, I can hear you all now (pretty?!) If I'm going to have a winter, it might as well be a real one with some snow on the ground!
It's official: Sergei Zubov is out of this year's All-Star game as he heals from a few injuries. It's always disappointing for someone to get this opportunity taken away -- Tippett said this morning that Zubov was very excited to play in Atlanta -- but the rest will be beneficial for him.
So that paves the way for Mike Ribeiro to make his first All-Star appearance. He should have been included in this, anyway, regardless of Zubov's condition: he's still leading the Stars in goals (22) and points (53) this season. So kudos to him.
That's about all we know for sure right now, and obviously the All-Star game is pretty doubtful, too. The MRI results are still a little hazy. Apparently, it's some sort of a groin issue, but it didn't sound like it would keep Zubov sidelined for significant time: But the All-Star break would provide much-needed rest.
So there we are, for the moment. I assume we'll find out more either this afternoon or tonight, including whether the Stars will send someone else to the All-Star game in Zubov's place.
Nothing new on Sergei Zubov tonight, so we'll find out more tomorrow on his MRI results.
As far as Jussi Jokinen (knee) and Jere Lehtinen (groin), they're both on schedule. Dave Tippett said Jokinen is a little bit ahead of Lehts at the moment. I don't know if that means Jokinen gets a start before the break or not; when Jokinen talked in Los Angeles last week, he sounded pretty excited to get back ASAP, but at the same time didn't want to come back too soon.
Sergei Zubov will have an MRI on his ailing foot on Monday, so he'll be out for tomorrow's game against the Ducks.
I'm sure everyone in Stars land has their collective fingers crossed that this is a minimal problem. Although the Stars' young D-men have fared pretty well in the last two games. Still, you always miss a presence like his, don't you?
Sergei Zubov is questionable for today's game with that foot. You never like to see this guy out of the lineup, but the defensemen were looking much better last night. So that has to be encouraging for the Stars if Zubov is hit and miss for any time here.
As for the debut part, B.J. Crombeen is likely to make his today against the Blue Jackets. I'm kind of anxious to see this kid, actually. The Stars are hurting for right wings, and Tippett likes the size and strength of Crombeen.
Jere Lehtinen and Jussi Jokinen are getting better and could be taking part in some drills and such in practice on Monday. Doesn't sound like their expected days back have been moved up, but still it's a good sign.
Sergei Zubov has not come back out for the third period. Don't know what the word is right now, other than he's being evaluated as we speak. He wasn't on the two power plays near the end of the second.
Marty Turco gets the start against the plucky Duckies tomorrow night in Anaheim. As for Sergei Zubov, sounds like he's a gametime decision. He was in practice today, and it looked like everything was fine. So we'll find out tomorrow. Young defenseman Mark Fistric was still out there, too.
It's another beautiful day out here. I used to be down on the L.A. area, but I'm warming up to it pretty darned quick.
Stars defenseman Sergei Zubov was named as a reserve to the NHL All-Star Game on Jan. 27 in Atlanta.
Zubov, who was an All-Star from 1998-2000, is the only Star to make the squad. He's third in scoring among NHL defensemen (35 points).
--Milenko Martinovich
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