9 p.m. Thursday, Rogers Arena, Vancouver, B.C.
TV: FSSW
Radio: KTCK/1310 AM and 96.7 FM
Records: Stars 27-32-10, 64 points; Canucks 28-32-9, 65 pts.
About the Stars: It’s about time to start planning ahead, like toward next season. The Stars begin the night 13 points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, with 13 games to play, and only three of those remaining teams (New Jersey, Arizona and Colorado) have fewer points than Dallas. These teams played a pair of games in November, when both had brighter hopes, with the Stars winning 2-1 at home and losing 5-4 in overtime in Vancouver.