Stars coach Bowness leaves game due to COVID protocols

<p>RALEIGH, N.C. &mdash; Dallas Stars coach Rick Bowness didn’t return to the bench for the third period of Sunday night’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes due to COVID protocols.</p>
<p>The team announced the development in between the second and third periods. </p>
<p>Assistant Coach John Stevens took over head coaching responsibilities for the remainder of the game.</p>
<p>Carolina led 1-0 after two periods on Jordan Martinook’s goal.</p>
<p>On Saturday, Dallas goalie Anton Khudobin was placed in the league’s COVID protocol. He had been the expected starter for that game, but rookie Jake Oettinger had in 41 saves in a 3-2 victory.</p>