Stars' D Zubov returns to practice

Apr 23, 2008 - 8:48 PM DALLAS (Ticker) -- The Dallas Stars could have All-Star defenseman Sergei Zubov back on the ice at some point during their Western Conference semifinal series against the San Jose Sharks.

Zubov, who has been sidelined since January 19 with a variety of ailments, participated in the team's full practice on Wednesday.

Dallas, which is coming off a six-game victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, opens its series with the Sharks in San Jose on Friday.

On April 2, Zubov underwent surgery in Berlin for a sports hernia that also bothered him last year. The veteran also battled foot and groin injuries in the second half of this season and had an earlier surgery on February 24 to place a screw in a bone in his right foot.

Zubov played in only 46 games this season, registering four goals and 31 assists.

Defenseman Philippe Boucher remains sidelined after missing the final three games of the Anaheim series with a strained hip. The Stars used three rookie defenseman against the Ducks.