Gameday Preview: Texas Stars at Chicago Wolves

Texas Stars 26-21-3-2, 57 pts #5 Central Division

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Chicago Wolves 28-17-5-1, 62 pts #3 Central Division

February 21st at 11:00 AM

Allstate Arena, Rosemont, IL

(credit: Texas Stars)

Day games in the Chicago area have been unkind to the Texas Stars in recent memory, to put it gently. But that was two months ago, nearly an eternity in AHL terms, and the Texas Stars could be more prepared to weather the storm this time around.

No one is punching a playoff ticket for the Stars for the moment, but they have reason to believe they belong near the top of the Central with the Chicago's of the world. For one, they're getting the goaltending they need to make a push. Goaltender Philippe Desrosiers turned in another outstanding performance in Tuesday's win in Iowa. The effort pushed his save percentage to .935 since he took over for the recalled Landon Bow.

The Wolves are also coming off a win over the Wild in their most recent game on Sunday. Winger Daniel Carr continues to be an offensive force, leading the AHL with 63 points. Chicago is also formidable on special teams, coming in at tenth in the league on both the power play and penalty kill. However, recent weeks have shown that these two teams are playing on a similar level. The Wolves are 5-4-1-0 in their last ten while the Stars are 5-5-0-0.

This is another one of those games that coach Derek Laxdal describes as a four-point game. Time will tell if they can rise to the occasion  on a Thursday morning to take care of business.

The puck drops at 11:00 AM CST.

Stars injury/call up report:

Scarlett (season-ending ACL injury)
Markison (lower body)
Laberge (upper body)

Fedun, Hintz, Bow, L'Esperance (call up)