Stars' Bishop, Klingberg out vs. Avalanche
The Dallas Stars are playing Wednesday's round-robin game without two of their most important players.
Goaltender Ben Bishop and defenseman John Klingberg are unfit to play against the Colorado Avalanche, the Stars announced prior to puck drop.
Anton Khudobin is starting in Bishop's place, with rookie Jake Oettinger serving as his backup. Thomas Harley, selected 18th overall by Dallas in 2019, is making his NHL debut on the Stars' blue line.
Bishop posted a .920 save percentage and 13.29 goals saved above average across 44 games during the regular season. He allowed four goals on 32 shots in a 5-3 round-robin loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday.
Klingberg is one of the Stars' top defensemen. The 27-year-old ranked third on the team in average ice time (22:10) prior to the postseason, producing 32 points in 58 contests in 2019-20.
Dallas is 0-1-0 in round-robin play. The Avalanche are 1-0-0 following a last-second victory over the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.