GLENDALE, Ariz. – Dallas Stars defenseman Sergei Zubov had a procedure done in Germany this week to address lingering problems with the sports hernia he suffered in last season's playoffs.

The procedure was done by Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck in Munich. She has pioneered a less invasive form of treating the injury, leading to quicker recovery time. Tampa Bay defenseman Brad Lukowich had the procedure done Feb. 21 and returned to play March 29.

"He'll fly back [today] and will be evaluated when he gets back. We're hoping for a speedy recovery," Stars coach Dave Tippett said. "The reason he went there is because the procedure allows him to come back quicker."

Tippett said he did not know how quickly Zubov might recover. It appears that it will be very difficult for Zubov to return in time for the start of the playoffs next week.

Zubov suffered a sports hernia in Game 6 of the playoffs last April and missed Game 7 against Vancouver. He had surgery during the summer and played the first 40 games this season. He had four goals and 30 assists in that span and was mentioned as a Norris Trophy candidate.

Zubov missed a couple of games with hand and foot injuries, then left the lineup Jan. 19 after his attempt to play through the foot injury created a groin strain.

Zubov had surgery Feb. 24 to place a screw in a bone in his right foot and had started skating last week in hopes of returning in time for the playoffs. However, the more he skated, the more the sports hernia became a problem, Tippett said.

"It's been lingering for a while, and I don't know if the other things accentuated it or what," Tippett said.

Richards, Ribeiro rest: Centers Brad Richards and Mike Ribeiro missed Thursday's game to rest. Ribeiro has flu-like symptoms and is day-to-day. Richards said he simply isn't feeling right.

"I'm just not feeling 100 percent," Richards said. "It's nothing serious, but there's no sense with everything so close with the playoffs to risk it. I just want to make sure I'm healthy and ready to go."

Richards was diagnosed with mononucleosis in January when he was with the Tampa Bay Lightning and was said to be battling the virus since Christmas. He did not miss a game during his illness.

"I didn't know I had it until after it had already slowed down," Richards said. "After a while, I went and got it checked. But by that time, my spleen wasn't swollen, so I was past that part. I did the blood work, and the first of February was supposed to be the end of it."

Richards had played in 354 consecutive games before missing Thursday's game.

Briefly: Johan Holmqvist was in net Thursday. It was his second start since being acquired by the Stars in a Feb. 26 trade from Tampa Bay. The game was the 99th of his career. ... Dallas is 8-4-2 in the second half of back-to-back games this season.