Patrick Sharp

Patrick Sharp returns, will play on fourth line for Stars

Dallas Stars winger Patrick Sharp (lower body) will play for Dallas Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

What It Means:

Sharp has missed six straight contests. It's worth emphasizing he's projected to start the game on the fourth line because Stars' coach Lindy Ruff didn't want to tweak his top three units. It wouldn't be surprising if Sharp ends up on a scoring line before the conclusion of the game, though.

Sharp has 47 points (17 goals, 30 assists) in 65 games played this season. His ability to drive possession depends on which stat you look at. His Corsi For Percentage is an excellent 55.1, but his Relative Corsi For at Even Strength is a pedestrian 0.6. We project Sharp to tally another 10 points (four goals, six assists) over the remaining course of the season.