Despite persistent injuries, the Dallas Stars improved from a 7-7 November to a 9-6 December. The team has found ways to win while implementing new player strategy. As the Stars depart for their second trip to Western Canada, Coach Dave Tippett's squad will once again rely on solid team play to get the job done. Dallas takes on teams in the extremely tight Northwest Division beginning with Vancouver tonight and Edmonton on Thursday.  The Stars then face Calgary on Saturday.

Tonight's game marks the opener of a four-game homestand for the Canucks, who have scored 20 goals during a five-game win streak at GM Place.  Vancouver hasn't won five straight since a six-game run from Oct. 14-25, 2005, but extending their current streak won't be easy with Marty Turco in net for Dallas  Turco has been brilliant in his career against the Canucks, going 12-2-0 with two shutout wins and a 1.69 goals-against average. He has allowed five goals during a personal four-game win streak against Vancouver.  Nevertheless, the surging Canucks look to post a rare victory against Turco and the Stars. 

What are Turco's thoughts on this roadtrip?  "It will be a cold whirlwind, as we travel through and play in three great Canadian cities against three great Canadian teams."  The Stars could meet the Northwest Division leader three times in the three games in the tough division.  The Canucks are one point behind Northwest Division-leading Minnesota and one ahead of the third-place Flames. All five teams in the division are separated by four points. 

Vancouver has proven its dominance over Alberta's two teams during a season-high four-game win streak. Tonight's test should be even more difficult.  Facing division rivals four times in the span of a week is a difficult assignment, but the Canucks (21-18-1) emerged from that stretch with four impressive wins.  ``I think we've been playing pretty solid hockey lately and everyone's stepping up,'' left wing Alex Burrows told the Canucks Web site. ``We've been playing solid in the first period and that's been the key.''

Henrik and Daniel Sedin, who were taken second and third by the Canucks in the 1999 draft behind Stars forward Patrik Stefan, are having breakout seasons.  The Stars have to find a way to stop their line if they are to win tonight's contest.   Daniel has six goals and three assists in the last four games. Henrik has one goal and six assists in that span.  The Stars and Canucks have split two games this season with each side winning 2-1.

Dallas will also need help from their bench as Mike Modano and Eric Lindross are not able to make the trip.  Modano is out with an injury to the groin and hip while Lindross is out with rib injuries.  ``We've battled more adversity than we ever did last year,'' Tippett said. ``I think that will make us better in the long run.''

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