Stars D Zubov suffers setback

Apr 2, 2008 - 4:24 PM DALLAS (Ticker) -- Dallas Stars defenseman Sergei Zubov could miss the start of the playoffs after suffering a setback in his recovery from foot and groin injuries, the Dallas Morning News reported Wednesday.

Zubov, who has missed the last 30 games, accompanied the team on its recent West Coast trip and skated in practice on Friday.

However, Stars coach Dave Tippett told the newspaper that Zubov will see a specialist on Friday and likely will not be on the ice for a number of days. The playoffs begin next Wednesday or Thursday.

"It's a concern," Tippett said. "We'll revisit it on Friday. We'll see what results we get and where we are."

Sidelined since January 17, Zubov rested the foot for a month and tried to skate in mid-February. When the foot did not respond, he had a screw placed in a small bone in his right foot.

Dallas went 15-4-0 in the first 19 games Zubov missed. But his absence caught up to the Stars in March, when they were just 2-7-2 with three rookie defensemen in the lineup.

"He's one of the best defenseman in the league, so we definitely miss him," Stars captain Brenden Morrow told the Morning News. "We've played some good hockey without him, and we need some guys to step up if he's not ready."

In 46 games this season, Zubov has registered four goals and 31 assists.