DALLAS --- Tyler Seguin missed the last two practices with a muscle issue, but the young center will be back in a familiar place when the defending NHL Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks visit American Airlines Center on Friday night, centering Dallas' top line alongside captain Jamie Benn and fellow newcomer Valeri Nichushkin, the Stars' top pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Seguin went through morning skate on Friday with no issue and said he would be ready to go, an assessment that Stars first-year head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed after the session.
On Tuesday, the Stars handed the Anaheim Ducks a 6-3 loss at the AAC, a game where Dallas got half of its goals from its fourth line, including a pair from Antoine Roussel.
This is the Blackhawks' second visit to Big D in some 10 days as these teams met back on Nov. 19, a game where Dallas hung with the champs before a power-play goal by Chicago's Patrick Kane late in the second period gave the visitors their first lead at 3-2. Chicago then added two more in the third to win 5-2 in a somewhat deceiving final score.
Now that Ray Whitney has returned from his groin injury, the Stars head into Friday's measuring stick game healthy. Kari Lehtonen figures to return to the net for Dallas after backup Dan Ellis delivered a strong performance against the Ducks to earn his second win of the season.
Seguin is currently second on the Stars with 23 points (12-11-23). Linemate Benn leads the club with 24 points (7-17-24).
