Gameday Preview: Stars at Chicago Wolves

Texas Stars 22-12-3-2, 49 pts #4 Western Conference

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Chicago Wolves 18-12-3-2, 41 pts #8 Western Conference

January 18th 7:30 PM

Allstate Arena, Rosemont, IL

UPDATE: Vancouver returned eight today. Uncertain if they'll be in the lineup: Andrew Gordon (RW), Anton Rodin (F), Bill Sweatt (LW), Darren Archibald (LW), Derek Joslin (D), Joe Cannata (G), Kevin Connauton (D) and Peter Andersson (D).

After getting run by the Wolves on Wednesday, Texas gives it another go tonight. The loss on Wednesday broke up a six-game winning streak and a streak of eleven games with a power play tally. The Stars were severely shorthanded, skating only ten forwards and six defenseman.

Among skaters, the Stars only got one player back from Dallas today. AHL All-Star Jamie Oleksiak was returned and could be in the lineup tonight. If that is the case and no one comes off injury, Texas would likely play a defenseman at forward and double shift someone from the top lines onto the fourth. Vincour would be most likely to return, but there was no indication early today if he would play.

The big news that Stars' fans should get excited about is the return of Richard Bachman. The former Texas Star will return for a few games to get back in 'game shape', as he will not have the luxury of a preseason schedule. With back-to-back games and another on Monday, it is possible that Bachman could get all the starts he needs while Texas is on the road and never be seen at the Cedar Park Center.

Texas needs to contain the top talent in Chicago. The Wolves haven't added or subtracted any players of note since Wednesday. That means Texas should concentrate on containing Brett Sterling and Darren Haydar, the Wolves leading remaining scorers.

Stars injury/call up report:
Nilstorp, Benn, Dillon, R. Smith, Eakin, Roussel, Sceviour
Wathier, Morin, Vincour, Glennie (injury)

Website: chicagowolves.com
Twitter: @Chicago_Wolves
Twitter: @theshaves (Wolves PxP)