Thorburn, Stuart in, Connor, Postma out for Jets in Dallas

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This article was published 24/10/2016 (2738 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DALLAS — Winger Chris Thorburn and defenceman Mark Stuart will return to the Winnipeg lineup tonight when the Jets (2-3-0) take on the injury-depleted Dallas Stars (2-2-1) at American Airlines Center tonight (7:30 p.m., TSN3, TSN1290).

Both veterans have played only once in Winnipeg’s first five games.

Jets head coach Paul Maurice was asked to explain his decision to dress Thorburn and Stuart.

“Their game,” Maurice said following today’s pre-game skate. “(It’s) what they’re good at. Strong on the forecheck, physical presence and get in on their D and some help on the PK and strong down low.”

As a result, rookie winger Kyle Connor and blue-liner Paul Postma will be healthy scratches tonight while Maurice will continue his pattern of alternating goaltenders by starting Michael Hutchinson in net.

Stars head coach Lindy Ruff, meanwhile, plans to start Antti Niemi in net.

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Dallas right-winger Ales Hemsky, who returned to the club’s lineup Saturday after missing four games with a groin problem, aggravated the injury and has been placed on injured reserve. Centre Cody Eakin (knee), Mattias Janmark (knee), right-winger Patrick Sharp (concussion-like symptoms) and right-winger Jiri Hudler (flu) are also on injured reserve.

Centre Jason Spezza (undisclosed) is questionable and right-winger Patrick Eaves (lower body) is probable for tonight’s game.

Winnipeg’s only significant long-term injury is a lower-body issue that has centre Bryan Little out week to week.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14

Mike Sawatzky
Reporter

Mike has been working on the Free Press sports desk since 2003.

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