Sergei Zubov

Already without the injured Mike Modano, Eric Lindros and Brenden Morrow, the Stars added another player to their infirmary just prior to Saturday nights game. Defenseman Sergei Zubov, the team's second-leading scorer and top point-getter on the power play, was a late scratch due to back spasms.  The Stars can't help but feel snakebit by the rash of injuries, but aren't using the ailments as excuses as they near the All-Star break.  "It has been a crazy month with all our injuries,"  Stu Barnes said.  "Guys are stepping up and doing a great job filling in.  We want to get our high minute guys back on the ice and continue to get points."

 A 5-4-1 record over the past 10 games is nothing for the Stars to brag about - except that maybe it is, given the circumstances.  Dallas played those 10 games in 18 days in eight different cities, while missing the aforementioned key players.  Although the Stars haven't gained any ground in the standings, coach Dave Tippett believes this stretch of adversity has helped them get an idea of what they're capable of.  "We've managed to keep our head above water, and if anything I think it's helped forge our identity," Tippett said. "The work ethic, the commitment to compete hard every night is what we're looking for as a group."

Several young players, such as Loui Eriksson, Mathias Tjarnqvist and Chris Conner, have had an impact on games when they might have been scratches or minor-leaguers on a healthy team.  "We're on the right track, certainly. ... We're young, compared to the last whatever years, since I've been here," goalie Marty Turco said.

The Stars return to Dallas to begin a four-game homestand on Tuesday against the Phoenix Coyotes. Dallas has won all four meetings with the Coyotes this season, including posting three shutout victories.  Face-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

Dallas' Niklas Hagman (left) mixes it up with Calgary's Mark Giordano.

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