Mike Modano is close to returning to the Dallas Stars’ lineup for the first time in nearly two months.
Modano, who has missed 23 games since Dec. 4 with a hip/groin injury, skated hard again during practice Monday in San Jose, Calif., where the Stars play against the Sharks in their next two games. He felt good after the workout and said he would play if he felt the same tonight.
“I’m as close as I’m going to get, so the sooner I can get back in, the better,” Modano said.
Stars coach Dave Tippett said Modano would be reevaluated today before a decision on his playing status would be made.
“We aren’t going to take any chances, but he’s getting close and he’s gone at it hard every day the past week,” Tippett said.
Sabres: Center Tim Connolly skated hard for the first time since suffering a concussion in last season’s second- round playoff series against the Ottawa Senators but remains several weeks away from returning to the lineup.
Kings: Los Angeles traded center Craig Conroy to the Calgary Flames for center Jamie Lundmark, plus a fourth- round pick in this year’s NHL entry draft and a second-round selection in the 2008 draft. Conroy, 36, had five goals and 11 assists in 52 games with the Kings this season.
