Dominik Hasek left today's practice early, experiencing soreness in his back. Hasek won't start Thursday's home game against Dallas -- Chris Osgood will -- and coach Mike Babcock said that he didn't know if Hasek will be available for back-up duty or if they'll have to recall Jimmy Howard from Grand Rapids.
Hasek said that he might be ready for Thursday's game, if not then he said that he wants to be sure that he's ready for Saturday afternoon. Hasek said that he left the ice early to get some treatment. Babcock said that Hasek will start Saturday's game.
The netminder hurt his back in the second period against Nashville, Sunday.

Also from today's practice ...
-- Defenseman Andreas Lilja was home sick. He will not play Thursday night with Brett Lebda skating instead. Lebda was a healthy scratch, Tuesday.
"I didn't have to make a decision," said Babcock.
-- Valtteri Filppula sat out today's practice to rest his sore thigh. He'll be in the lineup Thursday.
-- Mikael Samuelsson had a froggy voice after being cross-checked in the throat by James Wisniewski in last night's game. Samuelsson practiced and is good to go in tomorrow's game.