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Latest on Lehtinen, Richards

Posted on March 16th, 2009 1:36pm by Jeff Miller
Filed under Dallas Stars

Jere Lehtinen, who last played on the Stars’ most recent swing through San Jose, skated on Mike Modano’s line along with Brendan Morrison over on the left side during this morning’s practice in Frisco and might be in the lineup tomorrow night in Vancouver. Brad Richards, who broke his right wrist four weeks ago today, could return by the end of this Vancouver-Calgary-San Jose trip.

Dave Tippett said a final decision on Lehtinen’s status will be made after Tuesday morning’s skate in Vancouver. But Tippett was pleased with what he saw in Monday’s workout from Lehtinen and just about everybody.

When asked what he thought of Lehtinen’s practice, Tippett said, “Jere was … hopefully he’s ready to go.” When Lehtinen was asked if he’s returning to the lineup, he smiled and said, “Pretty close. Ask Coach.”

The 35-year-old wing has eight goals and 23 points. Tippett noted that Lehtinen has a history with Modano. His return would move James Neal with Brian Sutherby and Chris Connor, based on Monday’s lines.

As for Richards, Tippett said he hopes to have him back by week’s end; the trip ends with a game at San Jose on Saturday afternoon. Richards skated with the red-shirted “extras” on Monday along with Mark Parrish, Joel Lundqvist and Fabian Brunnstrom.

Richards was pleased with his first full workout that included line play and what he called “attempting” to shoot.

“It’s a matter of getting strength back now,” he said. “It’s still pretty weak.” He’s wearing a brace that prevents his wrist from bending back, which is how he hurt it at Columbus on Feb. 16.

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3 Comments to “Latest on Lehtinen, Richards”
  • Brandon Worley @ March 16th, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    Wow, Richards returning that soon would be exciting and a little surprising. It’s just 5 weeks since his injury but if their no risk of further damage then he would be a huge boost for the Stars.

  • Brandon Worley @ March 16th, 2009 at 4:41 pm

    One other thought: Now that the Stars have some players close to returning, the coaches finally have some tough choices to make about who to play and who to sit. I think the line of Neal, Sutherby and Brunnstrom could be extremely dangerous as a third line and Conner on the fourth line was fun to watch for a few games.

    And wow, auto-correct made my first post look like I’m a bit illiterate.

  • Josh Pearson @ March 17th, 2009 at 10:28 am

    I hate to see James Neal get bumped off the first line. He’s really made an impact and seeing him and Modano turns defenders inside out from time to time while crossing over the blue line is greatness. Although, the move would put Neal and Sutherby on the same line giving the Stars two very solid checking lines.

    I think I would rather see Lehtinen, Sutherby and Brunnstrom as a second or third line, but I’m not complaining since the Stars are finally getting a little healthier…