Defenseman Alex Goligoski , who was a healthy scratch in Thursday night’s game against Calgary, will be back in the lineup tonight when the Stars take on the Winnipeg Jets at American Airlines Center.

“It starts with defending,” Stars coach Lindy Ruff said when asked about what he was looking for in Goligoski tonight. “Alex hasn’t been happy with the way he has defended. Start in your own end, play well there and we know what he can bring us offensively. Those are the tools that when he gets up ice we want him to use.”

Goligoski was paired with Jordie Benn at this morning’s skate. Trevor Daley skated with Sergei Gonchar. The top pairing of Brenden Dillon-Stephane Robidas remained intact.

“We’re going to look at a couple possibilities tonight,” Ruff said. “Alex may get some time with Daley. Those bottom four we are going to try either or most times during the game.”

Kevin Connauton, who made his NHL debut in Thursday’s game, will be the scratch on defense tonight.

There were no changes as far as the forward lines this morning. Ryan Garbutt remains out due to suspension.

Kari Lehtonen will get the start in goal.

Saturday’s game

Who: Winnipeg Jets at Dallas Stars

Where: American Airlines Center

When: 6 p.m.

TV: TXA-21

Radio: The Ticket 1310 AM/96.7 FM

Stars projected lineup

Jamie Benn – Tyler Seguin – Rich Peverley

Ray Whitney – Cody Eakin – Alex Chiasson

Valeri Nichushkin – Shawn Horcoff – Erik Cole

Lane MacDermid – Vernon Fiddler –Antoine Roussel

Brenden Dillon – Stephane Robidas

Trevor Daley – Sergei Gonchar

Alex Goligoski – Jordie Benn

Kari Lehtonen (starter)

Dan Ellis





This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club. Mark Stepneski is an independent writer whose posts on DallasStars.com reflect his own opinions and do not represent official statements from the Dallas Stars. You can follow Mark on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.