NHL Preview: Penguins and Stars Dance in Dallas

Pittsburgh Penguins (1.83) at Dallas Stars (2.00)

This game was circled on the calendar as a potential return date for Penguins center Jordan Staal — but that’s not happening.

In what has to be one of the worst bad-luck developments of this young NHL season, Pittsburgh’s talented young forward suffered a broken hand in practice this week, meaning his return from an infected right foot (which caused him to miss the first 12 games) will be delayed.

Staal (who will be out six week with the broken hand) would’ve been a nice addition for the Pens tonight as they face the Stars. While they’re playing well and racked up a 6-5-1 record, their power play has been disastrous as of late. Pittsburgh has gone scoreless on its last 22 man advantages, a shocking development for a unit that features offensive superstars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Not that the Stars are complaining, mind you. Dallas is fresh off snapping a three game losing streak — thanks to a 4-0 win over Buffalo — and will look to build some momentum going forward on home ice. Dallas is currently in the midst of a season-high six-game homestand, but are just 1-3 so far and would like to make home-ice “advantage” an actual advantage against Pittsburgh.  The Stars have lost to Pittsburgh five straight times and have had no success shutting down Crosby — he has seven points (four goals, three assists) in just three career games against Dallas.

Some players to keep an eye on this evening:

— Dallas C Brad Richards continues to play amazingly well in a contract year (insert shock, awe here).  He registered two assists against Buffalo the other night, bringing his total to 11 on the year. All told, he has 3G-11A-14PTS to lead the Stars.

— Veteran Brenden Morrow continues to impress by leading Dallas in goals, with six. He’s on pace for 49 this year, which would smash his previous career high of 32.

— Evgeni Malkin continues to struggle for the Penguins. He’s producing at less than a point-a-game clip (3G-6A-9PTS in 11 games) and is minus-1 on the year. His lack of offense certainly isn’t for a lack of shooting, though: He’s second on the team with 47 shots in goal.

— The goaltending controversy in Pittsburgh continues as Brent Johnson keeps outplaying Marc-Andre Fleury. The controversy couldn’t be more pronounced, as Johnson is playing some of the best hockey of his life (1.16 GAA, perfect 5-0 record) while Fleury is playing some of his worst (1-5 record, 3.35 GAA).