GLENDALE, Ariz. – Stars coach Dave Tippett is treating his goaltending rotation like the rest of his lineup – on a game-by-game basis.

Though Tippett wasn't ready to publicly disclose his plan for tonight's game with defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim and Sunday's showdown with Detroit and its NHL-best record, he relishes having two solid options.

After seven years of rewriting the Stars' recordbook, Marty Turco is the established No. 1. But second-year goaltender Mike Smith has earned enough trust from the coaching staff and teammates that his appearance in one of the weekend's two big games wouldn't qualify as a surprise.

"It's a very strong luxury," Tippett said. "[Smith] is a very good goaltender and plays a similar style to Turco and moves the puck like him.

"We don't have to get anybody tired. If there are any slumps during the year, you have a guy who can jump in. The other thing people don't recognize is when a guy gets hot, you can ride him."

Entering Thursday's game in Phoenix, Turco held the edge in goals-against average (2.30 to 2.43) and a slight advantage in save percentage (.911 to .907).

Smith has won its last two starts, stopping 52 of 54 shots.

Plus, at his current pace, Turco would play about 60 games, his lowest total since the 2002-03 season. In theory, he should be fresher for the playoffs.

"When Marty can't play, it's important coaches and teammates are happy with the backup," Smith said. "I can go with the flow. I get the nod, I try to go."

Together again: When Jere Lehtinen returned after missing two months with an abdominal strain, he soon rejoined Mike Modano.

Both seemed to have benefited, which should be no surprise given their history as linemates.

"Your job as far as checking and being all over the ice and playing without the puck are easier because he does cover so much of the ice," Modano said. "It kind of frees you up. It allows you to extend some shifts."

Ready for the stretch: Physical forward Brad Winchester played consecutive games for the first time in a month. The Stars liked what he brought Monday in the win over Phoenix, including a spirited fight with Nick Boynton.

"Down the stretch, you're going to have very competitive games, and 'heavy' players can be an asset to you," Tippett said, referring more to Winchester's style than size. "He's a guy that is very willing to engage in the physical part of the game, and we want to get him up and running and see what we have."