by MIKE HEIKA, Staff Writer mheika@dallasnews.com , THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

"It is a big deal to me," said Grossman, who leads the Stars and is tied for fifth in the NHL at plus-9. "I'm not going to score a lot of points in the role I'm playing, so it's nice to have something to look at and say I'm doing things right."

Plus-minus represents the goal differential when a player is on the ice. Power-plays goals aren't counted, because there is an advantage, so the statistic should reveal who is important in the biggest stat that matters - goal differential at even strength.

The reason a big number is impressive for Grossman is because he typically has to go out against an opponent's best forwards. So what the plus-9 suggests is that Grossman does not get scored upon very often.

And isn't that his job?

"Any time the number is very high or very low, I think it is a telling statistic," coach Marc Crawford said. "And I also think it's important when comparing a player within the structure of his team. In both those situations, I think his number says that he [Grossman] is doing his job very well right now."

One of the criticisms of the stat is that players on bad teams tend to have low numbers, and players on good teams have high numbers.

Also, players just stepping onto the ice when a goal is scored are rewarded or penalized even though they had nothing to do with the play. And players also are rewarded or penalized on empty-net goals.

But using Crawford's criteria, there is plenty of reason to like Grossman's game.

Paired with defenseman Stephane Robidas, the 24-year-old Grossman must close down the front of the net, track back against opposing rushes and win battles in the corners - all against some of the league's top players.

He also is often on the ice with Brad Richards' line, so he must make smart passes to help get one of the Stars' top lines up the ice.

"He's not going to score a lot, but he can certainly contribute to our offense by making smart plays and getting the puck out of the back end and letting our talented forwards get the chance to play with the puck," Crawford said. "I think that's why you see his positive number up so high."

Robidas and Mark Fistric are next closest among Stars defensemen at plus-4. Trevor Daley and Karlis Skrastins are plus-2, and Jeff Woywitka and Matt Niskanen are minus-2 and minus-3.

Grossman, however, said the stat will carry more weight over the length of the season.

"This is such a small sample right now," he said. "I'm happy and I want it to continue, but I think we will know more after 82 games. Then you can start saying that it really means something."

Briefly: The Stars returned G Matt Climie to the Texas Stars on Sunday. He had been on the roster on an emergency basis because Marty Turco has flu-like symptoms. ... The Stars did not practice Sunday and do not play until Wednesday at home against Calgary, so Turco could be on the practice ice today. ... The Stars will practice at 10 a.m. today at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in McKinney. The practice is open to the public.

Plus for the Stars

The NHL plus-minus leaders through Saturday:

Player Team +/-

Alex Goligoski Pittsburgh +12

Alex Ovechkin Washington +10

Sidney Crosby Pittsburgh +10

Ryan O'Reilly Colorado +10

Nicklas Grossman Dallas +9

Matt Carle Philadelphia +9

Henrik Tallinder Buffalo +9

Dustin Penner Edmonton +9

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