The Dallas Stars are expected to get back Patrick Sharp, John Klingberg and Jordie Benn from injuries over the next week. All three have missed games with various ailments, while defenseman Jason Demers will be out for at least a month with a shoulder injury.
Sharp has been progressing quickly from a lower-body injury, while Klingberg is nearing a return from a similar ailment. Both players could be in line to return on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings. Benn is working his way back from a lower-body injury and may return against the Kings as well. Coach Lindy Ruff said all three players were able to skate in practice on Saturday before playing against the St. Louis Blues.
Sharp, Klingberg and Benn all sat out for the game. Ruff said that two of the three players could return on Tuesday. The Stars have been one of the best teams in the Western Conference this season, and getting the players back from injury could give the team a major boost. Klingberg and Benn have been out for over a week, while Sharp has missed the last five games.
Sharp is "closing in" on a return from his injury and is on track to play on Tuesday for Dallas. Sharp missed the game on Friday against his old Chicago Blackhawks teammates, but he could end up seeing the team in the playoffs with the Stars. Sharp has been an offensive weapon for the team this season, posting 47 points, including 17 goals and 30 assists in 65 games.
The Stars have taken a hit in defensive depth with Klingberg, Benn and Demers out. Stephen Johns was called up from the AHL and he should get the chance to get some playing time with Demers out for an extended period. Demers was injured after making some contact with Canadiens forward Lucas Lessio, which caused his arm to slam against the boards. The team announced that Demers could be out for six weeks and potentially longer with a shoulder injury.
"I'm taking it week by week," Demers said. "I'm just going to do everything I can to get back. Right now, it's get the pain and swelling down. I'm going to stay in shape and hope for the best. It's just a question of where we are in the season. If there is a way, I'll figure it out."
The Stars are locked in a tight battle in the Central Division with the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks this season. All three teams are basically guaranteed to make the playoffs, but the division is still up for grabs. The Stars and Blues each have 91 points coming into Monday, while the Blackhawks have 88 points.
