Eurolanche

Stars team scope (32-14-5): Defenseman Jordie Benn, who was medically cleared Monday and activated from injured reserve Tuesday, could play, according to coach Lindy Ruff. Benn, who missed four games with a lower-body injury, didn't dress for the Stars' 5-3 victory against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday. "Jordie, for me, looked apprehensive," Ruff told the Dallas Morning News. "I just feel he needs a couple of more practices and we'll probably get him back in Colorado." Center Colton Sceviour (upper body) didn't practice Wednesday after he was hit into the boards by Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien in the second period Tuesday. Sceviour returned to the game and then left for good in the third period. "He came back and was feeling OK," Ruff told the Stars website. "Then he wasn't feeling good halfway through the third, so he left the game." Goalie Kari Lehtonen was first off the ice Wednesday, according to the Dallas Morning News. 

Avalanche team scope (27-23-3): Varlamov will return to the lineup to back up Calvin Pickard after dealing with a legal matter. "We want to give [Varlamov] some time," coach Patrick Roy told the Avalanche website. "I like [Varlamov] a lot, beyond the hockey player. I have a lot of respect for him. In situations like this, it's nice to have support." Varlamov, who practiced with the Avalanche twice in the past week, hasn't played since the victory against Dallas. "It's nice to be back. I'm really excited," he said. "I feel more comfortable when I'm with the team and on the ice. For me it's hard to sit at home and watch the games on the TV." Roy said the lineup Thursday will be the same one he used in a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, except forward Andreas Martinsen will replace Chris Wagner. 

-- by Michael LoRe for NHL.com --