The Dallas Stars will likely face a pair of Canadian clubs without their best defenseman.
Head coach Lindy Ruff didn't expect John Klingberg to join the team for its two-game road rip, beginning Sunday in Ottawa against the Senators and wrapping up Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre.
"I don't think (he'll travel),” Ruff said, according to Mark Stepneski of the Stars' official website. “But if he responds well to treatment there's a chance - if he doesn't travel - he could join us. He's not traveling with us (to Ottawa)."
He's day to day with what the team is calling a lower-body injury, suffered early in Friday's win over the New Jersey Devils. After the game, Ruff said the injury should be of the short-term variety.
Klingberg didn't practice Saturday but underwent some tests.
"Nothing conclusive with the tests, which is good," Ruff said. "So, we just go day to day with him and see where he is at."
Klingberg leads all Stars' defensemen with 53 points, and ranks first among all skaters on the club with 43 assists in 66 games.
