Gameday Preview: New-Look Texas Stars Host Manitoba

(Credit: Texas Stars)

It looked to be just another ho-hum Wednesday game for the Texas Stars just 24 hours ago.

Since then, things have turned upside down for the Dallas Stars organization, and the Texas Stars will be under the leadership of a new bench boss for the first time in six seasons. Fans shouldn't expect the team to look shockingly different. After all, Neil Graham isn't a new hire; he's been here all season.

It's also Travis Morin's very first game behind any bench at all in the pro ranks. He, of course, does some 'coaching' for his son's team, but that's not the same. This was the plan all along for Morin, according to Scott White, and it's his opportunity to seize now that it's here.

As to tonight's opponent, the Moose have been streaky just as much as the Stars. They started the year 1-7 with a six game losing streak and then rebounded to a 9-1 streak including seven straight. Since then, they've bounced back and forth to settle on their record coming into the game tonight: 13-13.

Texas's own point streak, still active at seven, has gotten them caught up to seventh place Grand Rapids. The Griffins also play tonight and Texas could vault them with a win and a Griffs loss. The main thing that Texas needs to worry about tonight is playing the same consistent game that they've been playing despite the organizational shakeups. Scott White addressed the team yesterday to hammer home that point and emphasized it with the leadership as well.

Injuries and callups
Kero (lower body)