Dallas defenseman Zubov might be ready for second round

DALLAS -- Dallas Stars defenseman Sergei Zubov skated during an optional practice Tuesday, an indication that he could be ready to play in the second round of the playoffs.

Zubov is expected to go through the team's full practice Wednesday.

Zubov has been out since Jan. 19 with a variety of ailments, including surgery Feb. 24 to place a screw in a bone in his right foot. He started skating again after that, then had a recurrence of the sports hernia injury that dates back to last year's playoffs, which led to surgery earlier this month in Germany - his second operation for that injury since last season.

Coach Dave Tippett didn't say when Zubov might play, but listed the defenseman as "day to day."

In 46 games before getting hurt this season, Zubov had four goals and 31 assists. He has appeared in 153 career playoff games with 111 points (23 goals, 88 assists).

Defenseman Philippe Boucher, who missed the last three games of the Stars' first-round series victory over Anaheim because of a strained hip, still isn't back on the ice.

While vague, Tippett said Boucher isn't at the stage to be considered day to day.