Advertisement

sportsStars

With Patrick Eaves (foot) questionable for Game 2, Valeri Nichushkin likely to return to lineup

Patrick Eaves was on crutches Saturday after being struck in the foot with a shot in Game 1, and there's a good chance he won't be able to play in Game 2.

"It's nothing serious, just a real bad shot he took to the leg and should be just day-to-day," Stars coach Lindy Ruff said. "By the looks of things, I would say he's questionable unless it comes around, but it's awfully sore."

Advertisement

That will likely mean Stars winger Valeri Nichushkin returns to the lineup after two healthy scratches. The Stars on Saturday recalled forwards Curtis McKenzie and Brett Ritchie from the Texas Stars after they were eliminated from the AHL playoffs, but Ruff said he would play Nichushkin over the call-ups.

Sports Roundup

Get the latest D-FW sports news, analysis, scores and more.

Or with:

"With Texas not playing, we've got some players coming," Ruff said. "But Val will play. I think he's our best option."

Nichushkin has no points in five playoff games and has struggled to find any offensive game. He has battled for pucks and played well on defense, but his last goal was March 4 and he's in a 20-game goal drought.

Advertisement

"Every time he steps on the ice, he works as hard as he possibly can," Ruff said. "There's always some frustration with not producing. It's not an easy gig, even last night was not easy to get on the board. I think if you can get by that frustration, he'll be fine."

The Stars preach a system of puck possession and attack that requires quick decision-making, and Nichushkin has at times looked methodical in his thinking. Ruff said he's seen Nichushkin get scoring chances, and that he'd just like the 21-year-old winger to make the most of them.

Advertisement

"When you're lacking confidence, you opt for what might be an easier play," Ruff said. "If you get in some rush situations, you've got to make decisions that are skill decisions, and sometimes when the confidence isn't there, you don't make them."

Ruff said he believes the two games off will create energy for Nichushkin.

"I think he's going to be really excited to be back in. Can he take that excitement and funnel it into the right places?" Ruff said. "He's a young player. We'll have to see and how he handles it. I know if he's able to handle that excitement and funnel it in the right direction, we've got ourselves a really good player again."