Eurolanche

Russell could return for Stars vs Avs

Season series: The Colorado Avalanche have won two of three games against the Dallas Stars. Gabriel Landeskog had two goals and two assists, and Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and two assists in a 6-3 Avalanche win at Pepsi Center on Oct. 10. Colorado goalie Semyon Varlamov made 42 saves, and Landeskog scored in a 3-1 win at American Airlines Center on Jan. 23. Dallas defenseman John Klingberg scored in overtime for a 4-3 win at Pepsi Center on Feb. 4.

Avalanche team scope: Colorado was eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention with a 4-3 loss to the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. It's the second straight season they will not be in the postseason. "Obviously today I am very disappointed," coach Patrick Roy told the Avalanche website after the game. "I am sure we are going to have plenty of time to talk about it, but that's not what we expect for this team. We expect more for this team. ... It's not easy to make the playoffs. ... In order to make the playoffs, you have to play a solid 82-game season." The Avalanche are looking to avoid a season-high five game losing streak. MacKinnon (knee) hasn't played since March 18 and likely won't return for the final two games.

Stars team scope: Dallas is tied with the St. Louis Blues for first place in the Central Division; each has two games left. Defenseman Kris Russell, who has missed seven games with a foot injury, could return. "There's a good chance that Russell will play tomorrow," coach Lindy Ruff told the Stars website after practice Wednesday. "We think he is ready and out of harm's way." Defenseman Jason Demers, who hasn't played since March 8, skated but won't play. "He is real close," Ruff said. "He skated in a non-contact fashion today. I think there is an opportunity to get him in by the weekend and whether we would do that, we’d have to see." Forwards Patrick Eaves (mid body), Mattias Janmark (upper body) and Brett Ritchie (lower body) did not practice; forward Curtis McKenzie was recalled from Texas of the American Hockey League on Wednesday. "He's going to play," Ruff said of McKenzie. "We won't have anybody that is available. He is in the lineup for sure for us." Ruff also said he was unsure if forward Tyler Seguin (Achilles) would return for the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Seguin skated Wednesday.

-- by David Satriano for NHL.com --