Stars will go with young lineup vs. Oilers in Oklahoma City

The Dallas Stars will roll out a young lineup tonight when they close out preseason play against the Edmonton Oilers in Oklahoma City.

“We’re going to get a look at a real young defense again,” said Stars coach Lindy Ruff. “Up front we’re pretty young. It’s an opportunity for some guys to play in roles that they haven’t played in at camp. Some guys that haven’t got a lot of special teams time will get special teams time. It’s a great opportunity for those players.”

Dan Ellis is expected to get the start in goal tonight. Cristopher Nilstorp will be the backup.

Among the players in the lineup tonight will be Dallas native Austin Smith, who will play in his first NHL preseason game.

Smith, a fifth round pick (128^th overall) in 2007, is in his second professional season. He spent most of last season with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL, where he registered 50 points (27 goals, 23 assists) in 38 games.

At this morning’s skate in Frisco he lined up on the right wing with left wing Luke Gazdic and center Travis Morin.

“It is exciting,” said Smith. “It’s been nice to be here this long, take in all the experiences and learn from the older guys and the veterans. I am excited to get my chance tonight.”

The 24-year-old Smith said it would have been nice if tonight’s game was at American Airlines Center, but he’s just thrilled to get into an NHL preseason game.

“That would have been cool, but it’s tough to get games at this level,” said Smith. “I am going to take them as they go, and make the best of the opportunities.”

Garbutt talks last night’s major penalty, game misconduct

After Friday morning’s skate in Frisco, Stars forward Ryan Garbutt explained last night’s play that ended up with him receiving a major penalty for interference and a game misconduct.

“I just came off the bench, I think I took two strides, saw the guy (Colorado’s Tyson Barrie) coming at me and we just kind of collided at center ice,” Garbutt said. “I think it might have been late, but it was definitely accidental. It was something I wish I could have held up on it, I was trying to get out of the way at the last second.”

The Stars hadn’t heard from the league about any further discipline and Garbutt is scheduled to play in tonight’s game against Edmonton.

Tonight’s game

Who: Dallas Stars at Edmonton Oilers
Where: Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City
When: 7:00 p.m.

Stars practice lineup

Here’s how the Stars lined up at this morning’s skate in Frisco.

MacDermid-Eakin-Nichushkin
Garbutt-Fiddler-Ritchie
Roussel-Mueller-Sceviour
Gazdic-Morin-Smith

Connauton-Oleksiak
Dillon-Fortunus
Nemeth-Jokipakka

Ellis
Nilstorp