The Dallas Stars are sticking with Kari Lehtonen in goal for their matchup with the Blackhawks in Chicago on Thursday night.
Lehtonen got his first start since January 19 on Tuesday, and made 36 saves in a 4-3 overtime win over the Wild. It was his first win in his last five starts, and as a result, he’s getting the start against the reigning champions at the United Center.
“I saw good goaltending,” Stars coach Lindy Ruff said of Lehtonen’s performance Tuesday. “It’s the type of goaltending you expect, and I really like the way he played.”
The last time the Stars and Blackhawks faced off, last Saturday night in Dallas, Antti Niemi got the start and let three goals in in the first period before being replaced by Lehtonen to start the second period. Lehtonen allowed two goals of his own and the Stars lost an ugly one, 5-1.
