Lehtinen should play Wednesday

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Dallas Stars forward Jere Lehtinen (groin) practiced Tuesday and should be in the lineup against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday, coach Marc Crawford said.

Lehtinen, who has missed 10 games this season, should play on a line with Steve Ott and Mike Ribeiro.

"Ott played real well with Ribeiro last year when Brenden was hurt," Crawford said. "Now they have a good defensive player with them in Jere Lehtinen."

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The 36-year-old Lehtinen, who has one point in five games, remains one of the top two-way players in the league. Crawford hopes he helps to stabilize that line.

Crawford said he wanted some more symmetry in his lines and also didn't want Ribeiro on the wing. So that was the decision on that line. Mike Modano should center a line with Brenden Morrow and Jamie Benn. And look for Tom Wandell to play with Toby Petersen and Krys Barch.

Brian Sutherby (groin) is still out and Fabian Brunnstrom (shoulder) practiced, but didn't have any contact.

Marty Turco should start Wednesday's game with backup Alex Auld playing Thursday at home against Columbus. Look for Turco to carry most of the load for the next week or two.

Richard Durrett covers the Stars for ESPNDallas.com. richard.durrett@espn3.com.

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Richard Durrett

ESPNDallas.com

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Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.