Time: Fri, December 11, 2009 at 10:00 PM ET
League: NHL – United States of America

Last 10 matches: Dallas 4-3-3; San Jose 5-3-2
Only the second meeting of six for these Pacific Division rivals, with the two last meeting in San Jose on Nov. 12. The Stars rallied from a two-goal third-period deficit to force a shootout which was decided by Stephane Robidas for a 3-2 victory. It was their first shootout win of the season on their fifth try.With an even-strength offense as high-powered as the Sharks, sometimes it’s hard to stand out. If anything, forward Ryane Clowe was getting attention for his lone point in his first 10 games. He’s turned that around with seven goals and 12 assists in his last 18 games. Joe Thornton hasn’t scored a goal in seven games, but has 10 assists in that stretch for a League-leading 35 to go with the League lead in points with 42.
Sharks defenseman Doug Murray (lower body) was held out of practice Thursday after leaving Wednesday’s game as a result of a collision with Dany Heatley late in the first period. He should be available to play, however. Forwards Brad Staubitz (face) and Jody Shelley (hand) have been skating with the team but return dates have not been set. … Stars defenseman Karlis Skrastins (lacerated finger) practiced Wednesday and is probable.
No matter how one crunches the numbers, it’s a model of consistent inconsistency for the Stars. They haven’t strung more than two wins together all season. They’re 2-6-5 following a win, but are 11-2-3 after a loss, and are 7-0-1 after a regulation loss. Overtimes are the bane of Big D. With a League-leading 12 games played beyond regulation (tied with the Panthers), they are 3-9 overall, 1-6 in shootouts. This coming from a team that was 32-14 in shootouts entering this season.

As an aside, only two teams in the NHL have not lost two games in a row in regulation. These two. Live score and results will be available soon..