The Stars' Stu Barnes missed his fourth consecutive game with concussion-like symptoms, but he said he might be ready for Game 2.

Barnes, who was hit in the head in Game 3 of the San Jose series, has been experiencing dizziness when he works out. However, he said he feels better every day.

He will probably participate in a full practice today, but said he needs to feel very good before he returns to play.

"You just have to be sure of yourself," he said. "This is an important time."

Mike Heika

Stars rookie defenseman Matt Niskanen sat out for the second consecutive game. He did not receive a healthy scratch in the regular season.

Niskanen, 21, continues to improve, coach Dave Tippett said.

"He learns fast, and he has responded well to adversity during the season," Tippett said.

Said Niskanen: "I have to be better defensively, better making little plays."

Mike Heika

The Stars' first-period struggles carried over to Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

The Stars failed to score in the first period for the fifth consecutive game. They have only one first-period goal in their last eight playoff games.

"Every game so far since the playoffs started, the first period has been our worst one," Stars captain Brenden Morrow said.

Brandon George

Center Brad Richards said the Stars may have suffered from fatigue after an emotional, four-overtime win in Game 6 on Sunday night to close out the San Jose Sharks.

"The speed of the game, in all areas, we were a little bit behind," Richards said.

Brandon George

Stars defenseman Philippe Boucher missed his 10th consecutive playoff game Thursday with a hip strain but did make the trip to Detroit.

Boucher, who was injured in Game 3 of the Stars' first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks, skated for the first time Monday since the injury and is expected to return to the lineup at some point in the conference finals.

Brandon George

The Red Wings have won their last seven playoff games by a combined margin of 30-11, dating to Game 3 against Nashville.

Defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, a member of three Stanley Cup champions, struggled to find an apt comparison to the team's roll.

"I think it's comparable to some of the great teams we've had back in the 1990s as well," Lidstrom said.

Chuck Carlton

Johan Franzen tied a Red Wings record on Thursday by scoring a goal in his fifth consecutive playoff game. Franzen scored on a first-period power play. The list:

Brenden Morrow's second-period goal gives him eight for the playoffs, tying him for third place in the NHL: