Loui Eriksson knows he's in a tough spot.

The 22-year-old winger, in his second NHL season, was a healthy scratch Wednesday for the third consecutive game. In fact, his only appearance this season came when he played on the third line against Colorado.

While Eriksson has not been in this place before, he said he understands it is part of being a professional athlete.

"It's tough for sure," Eriksson said. "You don't know exactly what to do, other than to show up and work hard. That is my focus right now. That is what I'm trying to do."

He's not alone. Steve Ott and Krys Barch were also healthy scratches Wednesday after having strong games against Nashville on Saturday. Barch even scored a goal.

"It's an uncomfortable situation for those guys, and as coaches, we recognize that," Stars coach Dave Tippett said. "What we have to do is, A, make sure they're getting enough work; and B, make sure that they know exactly where they stand."

Eriksson might go to the minors when Niklas Grossman (shoulder) is healthy. He said he believes sitting too long would be a bad thing.

"Right now, no," Eriksson said when asked if it would be better to go to the minors. "But if it takes a long time, you need to be playing, I think."

Smith hurt while playing: Goalie Mike Smith, who was placed on injured reserve with a bruised arm, hurt himself while running through a post-practice game with Jeff Halpern. The two were messing around when things got competitive and Halpern ended up hitting Smith with a slash on the arm.

"You get caught up in the game and, unfortunately, it led to an injury," Halpern said. "Anytime you're part of that, you feel bad for the other guy involved and realize it was just a game. That's awful for him and bad for our team."

Tobias Stephan was called up and will serve as the team's backup. Marty Turco is expected to play all games until Smith returns.

Hockey Fights Cancer: The Stars participated in the Hockey Fights Cancer effort with several fundraisers at American Airlines Center. Players will wear helmet stickers throughout October. Hockey Fights Cancer has raised more than $9 million.

Stars defenseman Philippe Boucher. who lost his father to cancer in the spring, signed several items to be sold.

"I obviously have a lot closer connection now, because of my dad," Boucher said. "It's just something I feel very strongly about, and something that I want to help with. We are very blessed to do what we do, and if we have a chance to make a difference, I think we should do that."

Briefly: The Stars are 9-0-0 against the Kings in their last nine meetings. ... In Dave Tippett's time as coach, the Stars have the second-best home record in the NHL, at 112-34-20. ... Kings defenseman Rob Blake recently moved into fourth on the team's career games list at 738. In third place is Mattias Norstrom (780), now with the Stars, and in first is Dave Taylor (1,111), who became the Stars' director of player personnel in the summer.