Dallas Stars: Game Preview
St. Louis Blues at Dallas Stars
Saturday April 7
7:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest Plus
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (42-34-5) were eliminated from the playoff race with a 2-0 loss at Nashville Thursday. It was the Stars’ fourth straight loss and their eighth in the last 11 games.
The Stars will play some of their prospects and younger players in Saturday’s regular season finale against the Blues.
“We’ll see (defenseman) Brenden Dillon, (forward) Scott Glennie and Smitty (forward Reilly Smith),” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “Our veteran guys will be in there, too. We’ll surround those guys with players that can help them out.”
Dallas recalled Glennie, Dillon and D Jordie Benn from Texas of the AHL Friday. Glennie and Dillon will make their NHL debuts.
Richard Bachman will start in goal for the Stars.
Injuries: D Mark Fistric (groin) is out. Steve Ott, Stephane Robidas, Radek Dvorak, Mike Ribeiro and Brenden Morrow are questionable.
About the Blues
The Blues (48-22-11) saw their winless streak go to four games (0-2-2) with a 4-1 home loss to Phoenix Friday night. It was just the sixth home regulation loss of the season for the Blues, who remain two points behind Vancouver for first overall in the Western Conference.
“This is what happens when you play with skill ahead of work,” said Blues coach Ken Hitchcock. “They pushed us out of the game competitively, and made us play and act as individuals. They started with the pucks off the faceoffs, they defended well, they blocked shots, they did all the things we do as a team and they did them well.”
The Blues still can take first overall in the West with a win in Dallas Saturday and a Vancouver regulation loss against Edmonton on Saturday.
Injuries: None
Series notes
*This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams this season.
*The Blues have won two of the three previous games.
*October 13, at Dallas: Stars 3, Blues 2
December 26, at St. Louis: Blues 5, Stars 3
January 16, at St. Louis: Blues 1, Stars 0
Saturday April 7
7:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest Plus
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (42-34-5) were eliminated from the playoff race with a 2-0 loss at Nashville Thursday. It was the Stars’ fourth straight loss and their eighth in the last 11 games.
The Stars will play some of their prospects and younger players in Saturday’s regular season finale against the Blues.
“We’ll see (defenseman) Brenden Dillon, (forward) Scott Glennie and Smitty (forward Reilly Smith),” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “Our veteran guys will be in there, too. We’ll surround those guys with players that can help them out.”
Dallas recalled Glennie, Dillon and D Jordie Benn from Texas of the AHL Friday. Glennie and Dillon will make their NHL debuts.
Richard Bachman will start in goal for the Stars.
Injuries: D Mark Fistric (groin) is out. Steve Ott, Stephane Robidas, Radek Dvorak, Mike Ribeiro and Brenden Morrow are questionable.
About the Blues
The Blues (48-22-11) saw their winless streak go to four games (0-2-2) with a 4-1 home loss to Phoenix Friday night. It was just the sixth home regulation loss of the season for the Blues, who remain two points behind Vancouver for first overall in the Western Conference.
“This is what happens when you play with skill ahead of work,” said Blues coach Ken Hitchcock. “They pushed us out of the game competitively, and made us play and act as individuals. They started with the pucks off the faceoffs, they defended well, they blocked shots, they did all the things we do as a team and they did them well.”
The Blues still can take first overall in the West with a win in Dallas Saturday and a Vancouver regulation loss against Edmonton on Saturday.
Injuries: None
Series notes
*This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams this season.
*The Blues have won two of the three previous games.
*October 13, at Dallas: Stars 3, Blues 2
December 26, at St. Louis: Blues 5, Stars 3
January 16, at St. Louis: Blues 1, Stars 0
Dallas Stars at Nashville Predators
Thursday April 5
7:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (42-33-5) lost 5-2 to San Jose on Tuesday. It was the Stars’ third straight loss and seven in the last ten games, leaving them three games out of a playoff spot with two games left.
“It’s going to be tough, but we just can’t quit,” said Stars captain Brenden Morrow. “Stranger things have happened. We’re going to need a lot of help, some people doing us some favors, but we’re not going to quit around here.”
Kari Lehtonen is expected to start in goal for the Stars.
After Thursday’s game, the Stars close out the regular season with a home game against the St. Louis Blues.
Injuries: RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) is questionable.
About the Predators
The Predators (46-26-8) are coming off a 2-1 shootout win over Minnesota on Tuesday. Predators backup goaltender Anders Lindback stopped 25 of 26 shots and was 3-3 in the shootout.
“He’s come up with a couple big wins for us,” Nashville coach Barry Trotz said of Lindback. “The last two starts he’s only given up two goals. He’s been really, really solid.”
Predators No. 1 goaltender Pekka Rinne did not dress Tuesday due to illness. He practiced Wednesday, but Trotz wouldn’t say if Rinne would start Thursday against the Stars or if it would be Lindback, who has stopped 55 of 57 shots in winning his last two starts.
Nashville enters the game as the fifth seed in the Western Conference, one point behind Detroit in the race for fourth and home ice in the first round.
Injuries: G Pekka Rinne (illness) is questionable.
Series notes
*This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams this season.
*The Stars are 2-1-0 in the season series.
*The Predators are 1-2-0 in the series.
*December 23, at Dallas: Stars 6, Predators 3
Thursday January 5, at Nashville: Stars 4, Predators 1
February 19, at Dallas: Predators 3, Stars 2
Thursday April 5
7:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (42-33-5) lost 5-2 to San Jose on Tuesday. It was the Stars’ third straight loss and seven in the last ten games, leaving them three games out of a playoff spot with two games left.
“It’s going to be tough, but we just can’t quit,” said Stars captain Brenden Morrow. “Stranger things have happened. We’re going to need a lot of help, some people doing us some favors, but we’re not going to quit around here.”
Kari Lehtonen is expected to start in goal for the Stars.
After Thursday’s game, the Stars close out the regular season with a home game against the St. Louis Blues.
Injuries: RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) is questionable.
About the Predators
The Predators (46-26-8) are coming off a 2-1 shootout win over Minnesota on Tuesday. Predators backup goaltender Anders Lindback stopped 25 of 26 shots and was 3-3 in the shootout.
“He’s come up with a couple big wins for us,” Nashville coach Barry Trotz said of Lindback. “The last two starts he’s only given up two goals. He’s been really, really solid.”
Predators No. 1 goaltender Pekka Rinne did not dress Tuesday due to illness. He practiced Wednesday, but Trotz wouldn’t say if Rinne would start Thursday against the Stars or if it would be Lindback, who has stopped 55 of 57 shots in winning his last two starts.
Nashville enters the game as the fifth seed in the Western Conference, one point behind Detroit in the race for fourth and home ice in the first round.
Injuries: G Pekka Rinne (illness) is questionable.
Series notes
*This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams this season.
*The Stars are 2-1-0 in the season series.
*The Predators are 1-2-0 in the series.
*December 23, at Dallas: Stars 6, Predators 3
Thursday January 5, at Nashville: Stars 4, Predators 1
February 19, at Dallas: Predators 3, Stars 2
San Jose Sharks at Dallas Stars
Tuesday April 3, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (42-32-5) fell to ninth place in the West with Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the Sharks in San Jose. The Stars went 1-3-0 on their four-game road trip and have lost six of their last nine games (3-6-0). They trail the eighth place Sharks by one point with three games left in the regular season.
“We played them at the end of a back-to-back on the road. It was a tough one,” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “You drop that one, obviously, as quickly as you can. We would have liked to get some points, but we didn’t. Once again, we control our own fate. On a home-and-home against San Jose – if you looked at the start of the season – you’ve got to win one of those, and it has to be Tuesday.”
After Tuesday’s game, the Stars play at Nashville Thursday and then host St. Louis on Saturday.
Left wing Eric Nystrom, who has missed the last three games with a leg laceration, practiced Monday and should be ready to play Tuesday. Radek Dvorak, who has missed the last four games with a sore ankle, skated Monday but did not practice. He’ll be a game day decision.
Kari Lehtonen is expected to start in goal for the Stars.
Injuries: LW Eric Nystrom (leg) is probable. RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) is questionable.
About the Sharks
The Sharks (40-29-10) snapped a two-game losing streak with their 3-0 win over the Stars and moved back into the top eight, where they have not spent much time recently.
"I'm going to tell you the same thing as I told you when we lost in Phoenix – time to move on,” Sharks coach Todd McLellan said after the victory. “People wonder what the hell he is he talking about, but you put the losses behind you, you put the wins behind you, and you get ready to go back to work. You can’t get too high, you can’t get too low. There are six points out there that are really important.”
After Tuesday’s game in Dallas the Sharks have a home-and-home with Los Angeles, playing at LA on Thursday then hosting the Kings on the Saturday.
Sharks defenseman Doug Murray, who has missed the last two games with a lower body injury, practiced Monday but is questionable for Tuesday’s game.
Antti Niemi is expected to start in goal for the Sharks.
Injuries: D Douglas Murray (lower body) is questionable.
Series notes
*This the sixth and final between the two teams this season.
*The Stars are 1-4-0 in the season series.
*The Sharks are 4-0-1 in the series.
*November 19, at Dallas: Sharks 4, Stars 1
*December 8, at San Jose: Sharks 5, Stars 2
*February 2, at San Jose: Sharks 5, Stars 2
*March 8, at Dallas: Stars 4, Sharks 3 (SO)
*March 31, at San Jose: Sharks 3, Stars 0
Statistical tidbits
*The Sharks have lost three straight on the road, are 1-6-2 in their last nine away from home and are 4-13-4 in their last 21 road games.
*The Stars are 2-2-0 in their last four at home and 6-2-1 over their last nine games at home.
*The Stars have scored two goals or fewer in seven of their last eleven games.
*The Sharks have allowed three goals or more in 14 of their last 17 road games. The Sharks have allowed an average of 3.59 goals per game during those 17 road games.
*Over their nine road games the Sharks have scored 16 goals (1.78 per game).
*The Stars are 1-19 (5.3%) on the power play over the last six games.
*The Stars have allowed five power play goals over the last four games and are 14-19 (73.7%) on the penalty kill during that stretch.
Tuesday April 3, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (42-32-5) fell to ninth place in the West with Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the Sharks in San Jose. The Stars went 1-3-0 on their four-game road trip and have lost six of their last nine games (3-6-0). They trail the eighth place Sharks by one point with three games left in the regular season.
“We played them at the end of a back-to-back on the road. It was a tough one,” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “You drop that one, obviously, as quickly as you can. We would have liked to get some points, but we didn’t. Once again, we control our own fate. On a home-and-home against San Jose – if you looked at the start of the season – you’ve got to win one of those, and it has to be Tuesday.”
After Tuesday’s game, the Stars play at Nashville Thursday and then host St. Louis on Saturday.
Left wing Eric Nystrom, who has missed the last three games with a leg laceration, practiced Monday and should be ready to play Tuesday. Radek Dvorak, who has missed the last four games with a sore ankle, skated Monday but did not practice. He’ll be a game day decision.
Kari Lehtonen is expected to start in goal for the Stars.
Injuries: LW Eric Nystrom (leg) is probable. RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) is questionable.
About the Sharks
The Sharks (40-29-10) snapped a two-game losing streak with their 3-0 win over the Stars and moved back into the top eight, where they have not spent much time recently.
"I'm going to tell you the same thing as I told you when we lost in Phoenix – time to move on,” Sharks coach Todd McLellan said after the victory. “People wonder what the hell he is he talking about, but you put the losses behind you, you put the wins behind you, and you get ready to go back to work. You can’t get too high, you can’t get too low. There are six points out there that are really important.”
After Tuesday’s game in Dallas the Sharks have a home-and-home with Los Angeles, playing at LA on Thursday then hosting the Kings on the Saturday.
Sharks defenseman Doug Murray, who has missed the last two games with a lower body injury, practiced Monday but is questionable for Tuesday’s game.
Antti Niemi is expected to start in goal for the Sharks.
Injuries: D Douglas Murray (lower body) is questionable.
Series notes
*This the sixth and final between the two teams this season.
*The Stars are 1-4-0 in the season series.
*The Sharks are 4-0-1 in the series.
*November 19, at Dallas: Sharks 4, Stars 1
*December 8, at San Jose: Sharks 5, Stars 2
*February 2, at San Jose: Sharks 5, Stars 2
*March 8, at Dallas: Stars 4, Sharks 3 (SO)
*March 31, at San Jose: Sharks 3, Stars 0
Statistical tidbits
*The Sharks have lost three straight on the road, are 1-6-2 in their last nine away from home and are 4-13-4 in their last 21 road games.
*The Stars are 2-2-0 in their last four at home and 6-2-1 over their last nine games at home.
*The Stars have scored two goals or fewer in seven of their last eleven games.
*The Sharks have allowed three goals or more in 14 of their last 17 road games. The Sharks have allowed an average of 3.59 goals per game during those 17 road games.
*Over their nine road games the Sharks have scored 16 goals (1.78 per game).
*The Stars are 1-19 (5.3%) on the power play over the last six games.
*The Stars have allowed five power play goals over the last four games and are 14-19 (73.7%) on the penalty kill during that stretch.
Dallas Stars at San Jose Sharks
Saturday March 31, 9:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (42-31-5) lost 5-2 at Vancouver on Friday night, falling from third place in the Western Conference to seventh place.
“It’s big. It just puts a little more pressure on that one tomorrow and they only get bigger after that,” Stars captain Brenden Morrow said after the loss. “We came on this road and lost one in Calgary and lost one here. It just puts more pressure and desperation on those next games.”
Saturday’s game is the first of a key home-and-home series with the Sharks. The two teams meet again Tuesday in Dallas. The Stars lead the ninth place Sharks by one point.
“We have a chance to control our own destiny and that starts tomorrow,” said Stars forward Jake Dowell. “We’ll be glum about this tonight, but tomorrow we’ll get back at it.”
Kari Lehtonen will start in goal for the Stars.
Injuries: LW Eric Nystrom (leg) and RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) and D Mark Fistric (abdominal strain) are out.
About the Sharks
The Sharks (39-29-10) lost their second straight game, falling 2-0 at Phoenix Thursday. The loss dropped the Sharks to ninth in the Western Conference standings.
"We had a ton of opportunities, some really good looks at the net, but it didn't go in for us," said San Jose coach Todd McLellan. "They capitalized on their chances, we didn't. That's the game. I keep saying that we've got to leave these (losses) behind and move on, but with four left we better make some hay quick."
The Sharks have four games left – two against Dallas and two against Los Angeles – and think it’s possible they may need to win them all to get in.
We don't have much of an option, the last two games have put us in a hole," forward Ryane Clowe said. "We can't afford to lose any games, so if that means (going) 4-0, then yeah."
Injuries: D Douglas Murray (lower body) is questionable.
Series notes
*This is the fifth of six meetings between the two teams this season.
*The Stars are 1-3-0 in the season series.
*The Sharks are 3-0-1 in the series.
*November 19, at Dallas: Sharks 4, Stars 1
*December 8, at San Jose: Sharks 5, Stars 2
*February 2, at San Jose: Sharks 5, Stars 2
*March 8, at Dallas: Stars 4, Sharks 3 (SO)
Statistical tidbits
*The Stars are 1-3-0 in their last four road games.
*The Sharks are 5-1-0 in their last six home games.
*The Stars have allowed five goals in three of their last four road games.
*The Sharks have scored one goal on 67 shots over the last two games.
*The Stars are 1-10-2 in the second games of back-to-backs this season.
Saturday March 31, 9:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (42-31-5) lost 5-2 at Vancouver on Friday night, falling from third place in the Western Conference to seventh place.
“It’s big. It just puts a little more pressure on that one tomorrow and they only get bigger after that,” Stars captain Brenden Morrow said after the loss. “We came on this road and lost one in Calgary and lost one here. It just puts more pressure and desperation on those next games.”
Saturday’s game is the first of a key home-and-home series with the Sharks. The two teams meet again Tuesday in Dallas. The Stars lead the ninth place Sharks by one point.
“We have a chance to control our own destiny and that starts tomorrow,” said Stars forward Jake Dowell. “We’ll be glum about this tonight, but tomorrow we’ll get back at it.”
Kari Lehtonen will start in goal for the Stars.
Injuries: LW Eric Nystrom (leg) and RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) and D Mark Fistric (abdominal strain) are out.
About the Sharks
The Sharks (39-29-10) lost their second straight game, falling 2-0 at Phoenix Thursday. The loss dropped the Sharks to ninth in the Western Conference standings.
"We had a ton of opportunities, some really good looks at the net, but it didn't go in for us," said San Jose coach Todd McLellan. "They capitalized on their chances, we didn't. That's the game. I keep saying that we've got to leave these (losses) behind and move on, but with four left we better make some hay quick."
The Sharks have four games left – two against Dallas and two against Los Angeles – and think it’s possible they may need to win them all to get in.
We don't have much of an option, the last two games have put us in a hole," forward Ryane Clowe said. "We can't afford to lose any games, so if that means (going) 4-0, then yeah."
Injuries: D Douglas Murray (lower body) is questionable.
Series notes
*This is the fifth of six meetings between the two teams this season.
*The Stars are 1-3-0 in the season series.
*The Sharks are 3-0-1 in the series.
*November 19, at Dallas: Sharks 4, Stars 1
*December 8, at San Jose: Sharks 5, Stars 2
*February 2, at San Jose: Sharks 5, Stars 2
*March 8, at Dallas: Stars 4, Sharks 3 (SO)
Statistical tidbits
*The Stars are 1-3-0 in their last four road games.
*The Sharks are 5-1-0 in their last six home games.
*The Stars have allowed five goals in three of their last four road games.
*The Sharks have scored one goal on 67 shots over the last two games.
*The Stars are 1-10-2 in the second games of back-to-backs this season.
Dallas Stars at Vancouver Canucks
Friday March 30, 9:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest Plus/NBC Sports Network
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (42-30-5) are coming off a 3-1 win at Edmonton on Wednesday. Michael Ryder scored two goals and added an assist, and Kari Lehtonen made 31 saves for the Stars, who took over first place in the Pacific Division after the win.
“We’re happy to take these two points and keep going,” Lehtonen said. “You never know what’s going to happen against the Oilers. Those guys have so much skill, and they’re fun to play against.”
Friday’s game in Vancouver opens the final back-to-back set of the season for the Stars. They play at San Jose on Saturday.
“It doesn’t get easier,” Gulutzan said. “Those are all points we have to claw, scrape or whatever we can do to get something out of those games.”
Lehtonen will start in goal Friday.
Injuries: LW Eric Nystrom (leg) and RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) and D Mark Fistric (abdominal strain) are out.
About the Canucks
The Canucks (47-21-9) won their fourth straight game, beating Colorado 1-0 in Vancouver on Wednesday. Cory Schneider made 43 saves
“They put a lot at the net from a lot of angles, everything they had they put at the net and that’s what a desperate team does,” Schneider said. “I thought we did a great job either blocking it or letting me see the puck and there were quite a few where I was just able to catch it and kill the play. The shots were lopsided but the actual quality chances, we did a good job eliminating those.”
It was the second straight 1-0 victory for the Canucks, who have allowed just three goals over the last four games. While the Canucks have tightened up things defensively, they struggled to score, tallying just eight goals over the last six games.
“We're happy where we are defensively and we're not giving up 3-on-2s and 2-on-1s. I know we're going to score goals eventually and that they're going to come,” said Canucks captain Henrik Sedin.
The Canucks are three points behind St. Louis for first overall in the Western Conference and have one game in hand.
Injuries: D Kevin Bieksa (undisclosed) is questionable. LW Daniel Sedin (concussion), D Aaron Rome (knee), D Keith Ballard (concussion), C Andrew Ebbett (collarbone) and C Aaron Volpatti (shoulder) are out.
Series notes
*This the fourth and final meeting of the season between the two teams.
*The Stars are 2-1-0 in the season series.
*The Canucks are 1-1-1 in the season series.
*February 26, at Dallas: Stars 3, Canucks 2 (OT)
March 6, at Vancouver: Stars 5, Canucks 2
March 22, at Dallas: Canucks 2, Stars 1
Statistical tidbits
*The Stars rank seventh in the NHL in road goals against at 2.58 per game.
*Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen is 14-7-2 with a 2.09 goals against average and .935 save percentage on the road this season.
*The Canucks have been outshot 81-47 over the last two games but have outscored their opposition 2-0.
*The Canucks have scored just eight goals over the last six games, but they’ve allowed only seven during the same stretch.
*Forward Chris Higgins has scored three of the Canucks’ last five goals.
*Vancouver is 1-20 on the power play over the last six games.
*Stars forward Michael Ryder has 30 points (18 goals, 12 assists) in 29 games since the All-Star break.
*Stars forward Mike Ribeiro has 30 points (8 goals, 22 assists) in 29 games since the All-Star break.
Friday March 30, 9:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest Plus/NBC Sports Network
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (42-30-5) are coming off a 3-1 win at Edmonton on Wednesday. Michael Ryder scored two goals and added an assist, and Kari Lehtonen made 31 saves for the Stars, who took over first place in the Pacific Division after the win.
“We’re happy to take these two points and keep going,” Lehtonen said. “You never know what’s going to happen against the Oilers. Those guys have so much skill, and they’re fun to play against.”
Friday’s game in Vancouver opens the final back-to-back set of the season for the Stars. They play at San Jose on Saturday.
“It doesn’t get easier,” Gulutzan said. “Those are all points we have to claw, scrape or whatever we can do to get something out of those games.”
Lehtonen will start in goal Friday.
Injuries: LW Eric Nystrom (leg) and RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) and D Mark Fistric (abdominal strain) are out.
About the Canucks
The Canucks (47-21-9) won their fourth straight game, beating Colorado 1-0 in Vancouver on Wednesday. Cory Schneider made 43 saves
“They put a lot at the net from a lot of angles, everything they had they put at the net and that’s what a desperate team does,” Schneider said. “I thought we did a great job either blocking it or letting me see the puck and there were quite a few where I was just able to catch it and kill the play. The shots were lopsided but the actual quality chances, we did a good job eliminating those.”
It was the second straight 1-0 victory for the Canucks, who have allowed just three goals over the last four games. While the Canucks have tightened up things defensively, they struggled to score, tallying just eight goals over the last six games.
“We're happy where we are defensively and we're not giving up 3-on-2s and 2-on-1s. I know we're going to score goals eventually and that they're going to come,” said Canucks captain Henrik Sedin.
The Canucks are three points behind St. Louis for first overall in the Western Conference and have one game in hand.
Injuries: D Kevin Bieksa (undisclosed) is questionable. LW Daniel Sedin (concussion), D Aaron Rome (knee), D Keith Ballard (concussion), C Andrew Ebbett (collarbone) and C Aaron Volpatti (shoulder) are out.
Series notes
*This the fourth and final meeting of the season between the two teams.
*The Stars are 2-1-0 in the season series.
*The Canucks are 1-1-1 in the season series.
*February 26, at Dallas: Stars 3, Canucks 2 (OT)
March 6, at Vancouver: Stars 5, Canucks 2
March 22, at Dallas: Canucks 2, Stars 1
Statistical tidbits
*The Stars rank seventh in the NHL in road goals against at 2.58 per game.
*Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen is 14-7-2 with a 2.09 goals against average and .935 save percentage on the road this season.
*The Canucks have been outshot 81-47 over the last two games but have outscored their opposition 2-0.
*The Canucks have scored just eight goals over the last six games, but they’ve allowed only seven during the same stretch.
*Forward Chris Higgins has scored three of the Canucks’ last five goals.
*Vancouver is 1-20 on the power play over the last six games.
*Stars forward Michael Ryder has 30 points (18 goals, 12 assists) in 29 games since the All-Star break.
*Stars forward Mike Ribeiro has 30 points (8 goals, 22 assists) in 29 games since the All-Star break.
Dallas Stars at Edmonton Oilers
Wednesday, March 28
8:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (41-30-5) are coming off a 5-4 loss in Calgary on Monday. They gave up four second-period goals, including two power-play goals late in the period. For the game, the Stars gave up three power-play goals on six short-handed situations.
“We got into penalty trouble and their power play beat us tonight,” Stars defenseman Sheldon Souray said. “We weren’t as disciplined as we have been. We talked about that and we just got a little bit away from that. We just let them get on the power play way too much tonight.”
The Stars, who have lost four of their last six games, enter Wednesday’s game in seventh place in the Western Conference. They are one point out of the Pacific Division lead and the third seed in the West, and one point ahead of ninth-place Los Angeles.
“We’re going to refocus and get back at it,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “We have six games left and we are in a playoff spot.”
Forward Reilly Smith’s immigration paperwork has been wrapped up and he’s available to play, but it’s not clear when he’ll make his NHL debut.
Injuries: LW Eric Nystrom (leg) and RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) are day-to-day. D Mark Fistric (abdominal strain) is out.
About the Oilers
The Oilers (31-36-9) last played Sunday, winning 6-3 at Columbus. It was the second straight win for the Oilers, who extended their points streak to seven games (5-0-2). The Oilers went 3-0-1 on a road trip that also included stops in Nashville, Tampa Bay and Florida.
"We've certainly had our trials and tribulations this year to say the least," coach Tom Renney said. "We have hockey yet to play. Our hope and our objective is to make sure that we finish the whole season this way. It's a good trip for us. We've got to go home now and take care of some business there and then head back out again.”
The big news in Edmonton on Tuesday was that forward Taylor Hall, who is recovering from a concussion, would have season-ending shoulder surgery. He is expected to be out five to six months.
"It was assessed by the medical people that he's better off at this point during the season that we get this done now," Oilers GM Steve Tambellini said. "He's a young guy, he'll have a full recovery and we've got the time now to do the proper rehab. He should be ready for the start of (next) season.”
Injuries: C Shawn Horcoff (back) and C Lennart Petrell (groin) are questionable. LW Taylor Hall (concussion/shoulder) is out.
Series notes
*This the fourth and final meeting of the season between the two teams.
*The Stars have won all three of the previous meetings in regulation by a combined score of 11-3.
*November 21, at Dallas: Stars 4, Oilers 1
January 7, at Dallas: Stars 4, Oilers 1
March 2, at Edmonton: Stars 3, Oilers 1
Dallas Stars at Calgary Flames
Monday, March 26
8:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
With Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Flames on Saturday, the Stars (41-29-5) moved back into first place in the Pacific Division and took over the third seed in the Western Conference. But the Stars still hold only a point lead in the division and a one point lead over ninth place.
So, it will be another crucial game for both the Stars and Flames when the two teams meet again Monday night.
“The emotions and the playoff atmosphere is going to carry over. There’s two big points on the line,” Stars forward Jamie Benn said. “We’re both pushing for a playoff spot and trying to get in. I think it’s going to be a hard-fought game.”
Monday’s game in Calgary will kick off a four-game road trip for the Stars that will also include games in Edmonton, Vancouver and San Jose.
“I think it’s a good time to go on the road to be honest with you,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “There’s a lot of pressure at home. There’s a lot of pressure at this time of year. The media and the coaching staff and everyone is you’ve got to win your home games. The players feel it and the players know it. … Sometimes it’s easier to get on the road this time of the year and just kind of let loose for a road swing and just kind of put pressure on other teams in their buildings that have to win games.”
The Stars signed forward Reilly Smith, a third round pick from 2009, to an entry-level contract on Sunday. He’s been added to the roster, but is not expected to play Monday.
Injuries: D Mark Fistric (abdominal strain) is out.
About the Flames
With Saturday’s loss in Dallas, the Flames (34-27-15) are down to six games left in the season and they are three points out of a playoff spot.
“We play these guys again in two days and we want to play the same way. Except for the start, I thought we had a really good game. That’s all we can do right now,” Flames captain Jarome Iginla said after Saturday’s loss. “Our chances are slim. We have to run the table but nobody will give up and we’ll just work on the next one, take the same chances and if we do they’ll go in.”
Monday’s game opens a three-game homestand for the Flames, who play five of their final six games at home.
“You’ve got to take one at a time. We got to pick away here and not give up any points. We’ve got to get every point we can get and see what happens,” said Flames coach Brent Sutter. “We’re not out of it by any means yet but obviously every game that goes by, you lose games and pretty soon you’re going to get to the 82nd game of the season. You’ve got to find ways to get wins and you can’t give up points.”
Injuries: D Derek Smith (upper body) is questionable. C Mikael Backlund (upper body), D Cory Sarich (upper body) and D T.J. Brodie (upper body) are out.
Series notes
*This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams.
*The Stars are 3-0-0 in the series.
*The Flames are 0-1-2 in the series.
*February 16, at Dallas: Stars 3, Flames 2 (OT)
March 4, at Calgary: Stars 3, Flames 2 (SO)
March 24, at Dallas; Stars 4, Flames 1
Monday, March 26
8:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
With Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Flames on Saturday, the Stars (41-29-5) moved back into first place in the Pacific Division and took over the third seed in the Western Conference. But the Stars still hold only a point lead in the division and a one point lead over ninth place.
So, it will be another crucial game for both the Stars and Flames when the two teams meet again Monday night.
“The emotions and the playoff atmosphere is going to carry over. There’s two big points on the line,” Stars forward Jamie Benn said. “We’re both pushing for a playoff spot and trying to get in. I think it’s going to be a hard-fought game.”
Monday’s game in Calgary will kick off a four-game road trip for the Stars that will also include games in Edmonton, Vancouver and San Jose.
“I think it’s a good time to go on the road to be honest with you,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “There’s a lot of pressure at home. There’s a lot of pressure at this time of year. The media and the coaching staff and everyone is you’ve got to win your home games. The players feel it and the players know it. … Sometimes it’s easier to get on the road this time of the year and just kind of let loose for a road swing and just kind of put pressure on other teams in their buildings that have to win games.”
The Stars signed forward Reilly Smith, a third round pick from 2009, to an entry-level contract on Sunday. He’s been added to the roster, but is not expected to play Monday.
Injuries: D Mark Fistric (abdominal strain) is out.
About the Flames
With Saturday’s loss in Dallas, the Flames (34-27-15) are down to six games left in the season and they are three points out of a playoff spot.
“We play these guys again in two days and we want to play the same way. Except for the start, I thought we had a really good game. That’s all we can do right now,” Flames captain Jarome Iginla said after Saturday’s loss. “Our chances are slim. We have to run the table but nobody will give up and we’ll just work on the next one, take the same chances and if we do they’ll go in.”
Monday’s game opens a three-game homestand for the Flames, who play five of their final six games at home.
“You’ve got to take one at a time. We got to pick away here and not give up any points. We’ve got to get every point we can get and see what happens,” said Flames coach Brent Sutter. “We’re not out of it by any means yet but obviously every game that goes by, you lose games and pretty soon you’re going to get to the 82nd game of the season. You’ve got to find ways to get wins and you can’t give up points.”
Injuries: D Derek Smith (upper body) is questionable. C Mikael Backlund (upper body), D Cory Sarich (upper body) and D T.J. Brodie (upper body) are out.
Series notes
*This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams.
*The Stars are 3-0-0 in the series.
*The Flames are 0-1-2 in the series.
*February 16, at Dallas: Stars 3, Flames 2 (OT)
March 4, at Calgary: Stars 3, Flames 2 (SO)
March 24, at Dallas; Stars 4, Flames 1
Calgary Flames at Dallas Stars
Saturday March 24
1:00 p.m.
TV: TXA 21
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (40-29-5) lost 2-1 to Vancouver Thursday. It was the third loss in the last four games for the Stars, who dropped from third in the Western Conference to eighth.
“It’s crunch time here, and we have to win games,” Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski said. “We all know that. They got a two-goal lead and started sitting back on everything, so you have to work a little harder. We did a good job sticking to the plan and trying to get pucks behind them and go forecheck. We had a few chances, but couldn’t bury it.”
Despite dropping to eighth, the Stars are only one point out of the Pacific Division lead and the third seed in the West.
This will be the final game of a four-game homestand for the Stars. They are 1-2-0 so far.
Kari Lehtonen will start in goal for Dallas on Saturday.
Injuries: D Mark Fistric (abdominal strain) is out.
About the Flames
The Flames (34-26-15) lost 3-2 in a shootout to Minnesota Thursday night. The Flames, who are winless in their last four games (0-1-3), blew a 2-0 lead in the game.
“It's just frustrating,” Calgary forward Blake Comeau said. “All around it feels like a big letdown and we got to figure it out in the next 48 hours before we play Dallas because it's not going to be easy here on out.”
This is the final game of a three-game road trip for the Flames. They are 0-0-2 so far.
Injuries: LW Alex Tanguay (undisclosed) is probable. RW Mike Cammalleri (upper body) and D Derek Smith (upper body) are questionable. C Mikael Backlund (upper body), D Cory Sarich (upper body) and D T.J. Brodie (upper body) are out.
Series notes
*This is the third of four meetings between the two teams.
*The Stars are 2-0-0 in the series.
*The Flames are 0-0-2 in the series.
*February 16, at Dallas: Stars 3, Flames 2 (OT)
March 4, at Calgary: Stars 3, Flames 2 (SO)
Statistical tidbits
*The Stars are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games for 14 points.
*The Flames are 5-1-4 in their last 10 games for 14 points.
*The Flames have scored five goals over their last four games.
*Excluding goals awarded for shootout wins, the Stars have scored eight goals over their last five games.
*Dallas right wing Michael Ryder has scored 15 goals in Dallas’ 26 games since the All-Star break. On Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin (19) and Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos (18) have scored more goals since the break.
*Calgary goalie Miikka Kiprusoff is 6-0-4 in his last starts. He has allowed two goals or fewer in his last five starts.
Saturday March 24
1:00 p.m.
TV: TXA 21
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (40-29-5) lost 2-1 to Vancouver Thursday. It was the third loss in the last four games for the Stars, who dropped from third in the Western Conference to eighth.
“It’s crunch time here, and we have to win games,” Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski said. “We all know that. They got a two-goal lead and started sitting back on everything, so you have to work a little harder. We did a good job sticking to the plan and trying to get pucks behind them and go forecheck. We had a few chances, but couldn’t bury it.”
Despite dropping to eighth, the Stars are only one point out of the Pacific Division lead and the third seed in the West.
This will be the final game of a four-game homestand for the Stars. They are 1-2-0 so far.
Kari Lehtonen will start in goal for Dallas on Saturday.
Injuries: D Mark Fistric (abdominal strain) is out.
About the Flames
The Flames (34-26-15) lost 3-2 in a shootout to Minnesota Thursday night. The Flames, who are winless in their last four games (0-1-3), blew a 2-0 lead in the game.
“It's just frustrating,” Calgary forward Blake Comeau said. “All around it feels like a big letdown and we got to figure it out in the next 48 hours before we play Dallas because it's not going to be easy here on out.”
This is the final game of a three-game road trip for the Flames. They are 0-0-2 so far.
Injuries: LW Alex Tanguay (undisclosed) is probable. RW Mike Cammalleri (upper body) and D Derek Smith (upper body) are questionable. C Mikael Backlund (upper body), D Cory Sarich (upper body) and D T.J. Brodie (upper body) are out.
Series notes
*This is the third of four meetings between the two teams.
*The Stars are 2-0-0 in the series.
*The Flames are 0-0-2 in the series.
*February 16, at Dallas: Stars 3, Flames 2 (OT)
March 4, at Calgary: Stars 3, Flames 2 (SO)
Statistical tidbits
*The Stars are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games for 14 points.
*The Flames are 5-1-4 in their last 10 games for 14 points.
*The Flames have scored five goals over their last four games.
*Excluding goals awarded for shootout wins, the Stars have scored eight goals over their last five games.
*Dallas right wing Michael Ryder has scored 15 goals in Dallas’ 26 games since the All-Star break. On Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin (19) and Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos (18) have scored more goals since the break.
*Calgary goalie Miikka Kiprusoff is 6-0-4 in his last starts. He has allowed two goals or fewer in his last five starts.
Vancouver Canucks at Dallas Stars
Thursday March 22
7:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (40-28-5) are coming off a 4-3 shootout win over Phoenix Tuesday that kept them sitting on top of the Pacific Division and in third place in the Western Conference. The Stars weren’t entirely pleased with the effort. They gave up a 3-1 lead in the third period and gave one point to a team chasing them in the standings.
“I think we did good things but we’ve got to find ways to keep that two-goal lead and not give those guys a chance to get back into the game,” said Stars forward Michael Ryder, who scored two goals. “We made a couple mistakes, a couple turnovers that ended up in our net. We came here for two points and we got that but they got one.”
The Stars have won both games against Vancouver this season – one in overtime and one in regulation, but they aren’t taking in comfort in those two previous contests.
“Obviously one of the elite teams in the league, so we are going to have to be sharp and a lot cleaner than we were against Phoenix,” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “For Phoenix not being known as a heavy offensive team, they certainly capitalized on what we gave them. If we do the same to Vancouver, they’ll do the same thing.”
Kari Lehtonen, who made 27 saves Tuesday and was 3-3 in the shootout, is expected to start in goal for Dallas.
Stars forward Jamie Benn, who took an elbow in the head from Shane Doan during Tuesday’s game and another hard hit in overtime, said he was fine on Wednesday and will play in Thursday’s game. Doan was suspended three games by the NHL Wednesday for the hit on Benn.
Injuries: D Mark Fistric (abdominal strain) is out.
About the Canucks
The Canucks (43-22-8) lost 2-1 in overtime at Chicago Wednesday night. The Canucks scored 27 seconds into the game, but Chicago tied it in the second and Andrew’s Shaw goal at 2:42 of overtime won it.
It was the Canucks’ fourth loss in the last five games (1-3-1).
The Canucks lost more than a game. They lost forward Daniel Sedin in the first period after he took an elbow to the head from Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith, who received a minor penalty for elbowing.
“Deliberate, principal point of contact, everything you are trying to take out of the game,” Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said when asked about Keith’s hit. “I expected a major (penalty) and got a minor.”
As for the status of Sedin, Vigneault said the team would know more on Thursday.
“We’ll re-evaluate him tomorrow,” Vigneault said. “He was taken out of the game obviously. Everybody saw the headshot there. We’ll re-evaluate tomorrow and I’ll know more from there.”
Despite the loss, the Canucks felt they had played their best game in a while. They are 3-5-3 over their last 11 games.
“This was by far our best team game in a lot of weeks,” Canucks center Henrik Sedin said. “We won games before, but we haven’t played the way we wanted to. Tonight, everyone showed up.”
Injuries: D Keith Ballard (concussion), C Andrew Ebbett (collarbone) and C Aaron Volpatti (shoulder) are out.
Series notes
*This is the third of four meetings between the two teams.
*Dallas is 2-0-0 in the season series.
*The Canucks are 0-1-1 in the series.
*February 26, at Dallas: Stars 3, Canucks 2 (OT)
March 6, at Vancouver: Stars 5, Canucks 2
Statistical tidbits
*The Stars are 15-4-3 since the All-Star break.
*The Canucks are 13-6-5 since the All-Star break.
*The Canucks have scored on the power play in three of their last 14 games.
*The Stars have allowed a power play goal in three of their last 14 games.
*Dallas is 12-3-0 versus the Northwest Division this season, including 7-1-0 at American Airlines Center.
*Vancouver is 7-5-4 versus the Pacific Division.
*Stars forwards Loui Eriksson, Mike Ribeiro and Michael Ryder have combined for 12 points in the season series against Vancouver this year (6 goals, 6 assists).
Thursday March 22
7:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (40-28-5) are coming off a 4-3 shootout win over Phoenix Tuesday that kept them sitting on top of the Pacific Division and in third place in the Western Conference. The Stars weren’t entirely pleased with the effort. They gave up a 3-1 lead in the third period and gave one point to a team chasing them in the standings.
“I think we did good things but we’ve got to find ways to keep that two-goal lead and not give those guys a chance to get back into the game,” said Stars forward Michael Ryder, who scored two goals. “We made a couple mistakes, a couple turnovers that ended up in our net. We came here for two points and we got that but they got one.”
The Stars have won both games against Vancouver this season – one in overtime and one in regulation, but they aren’t taking in comfort in those two previous contests.
“Obviously one of the elite teams in the league, so we are going to have to be sharp and a lot cleaner than we were against Phoenix,” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “For Phoenix not being known as a heavy offensive team, they certainly capitalized on what we gave them. If we do the same to Vancouver, they’ll do the same thing.”
Kari Lehtonen, who made 27 saves Tuesday and was 3-3 in the shootout, is expected to start in goal for Dallas.
Stars forward Jamie Benn, who took an elbow in the head from Shane Doan during Tuesday’s game and another hard hit in overtime, said he was fine on Wednesday and will play in Thursday’s game. Doan was suspended three games by the NHL Wednesday for the hit on Benn.
Injuries: D Mark Fistric (abdominal strain) is out.
About the Canucks
The Canucks (43-22-8) lost 2-1 in overtime at Chicago Wednesday night. The Canucks scored 27 seconds into the game, but Chicago tied it in the second and Andrew’s Shaw goal at 2:42 of overtime won it.
It was the Canucks’ fourth loss in the last five games (1-3-1).
The Canucks lost more than a game. They lost forward Daniel Sedin in the first period after he took an elbow to the head from Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith, who received a minor penalty for elbowing.
“Deliberate, principal point of contact, everything you are trying to take out of the game,” Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said when asked about Keith’s hit. “I expected a major (penalty) and got a minor.”
As for the status of Sedin, Vigneault said the team would know more on Thursday.
“We’ll re-evaluate him tomorrow,” Vigneault said. “He was taken out of the game obviously. Everybody saw the headshot there. We’ll re-evaluate tomorrow and I’ll know more from there.”
Despite the loss, the Canucks felt they had played their best game in a while. They are 3-5-3 over their last 11 games.
“This was by far our best team game in a lot of weeks,” Canucks center Henrik Sedin said. “We won games before, but we haven’t played the way we wanted to. Tonight, everyone showed up.”
Injuries: D Keith Ballard (concussion), C Andrew Ebbett (collarbone) and C Aaron Volpatti (shoulder) are out.
Series notes
*This is the third of four meetings between the two teams.
*Dallas is 2-0-0 in the season series.
*The Canucks are 0-1-1 in the series.
*February 26, at Dallas: Stars 3, Canucks 2 (OT)
March 6, at Vancouver: Stars 5, Canucks 2
Statistical tidbits
*The Stars are 15-4-3 since the All-Star break.
*The Canucks are 13-6-5 since the All-Star break.
*The Canucks have scored on the power play in three of their last 14 games.
*The Stars have allowed a power play goal in three of their last 14 games.
*Dallas is 12-3-0 versus the Northwest Division this season, including 7-1-0 at American Airlines Center.
*Vancouver is 7-5-4 versus the Pacific Division.
*Stars forwards Loui Eriksson, Mike Ribeiro and Michael Ryder have combined for 12 points in the season series against Vancouver this year (6 goals, 6 assists).
Phoenix Coyotes at Dallas Stars
Tuesday, March 20
7:00 p.m.
TV: NBC Sports Network
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (39-28-5) are coming off a 4-1 loss to Chicago on Friday. It was the second straight loss for the Stars following a six-game winning streak and 11-game points streak. Chicago scored two goals in the first 1:42 of the game to take the early lead and then two goals early in the third period to put the game away.
“We put ourselves in a hole there, and you never want to do that against a good team like Chicago,” Benn said. “We did a better job in the second, but had another bad start in the third that crushed us. We shied away from our game a bit. We need to play the simple game, get pucks deep, and win the blue lines. We can’t shoot ourselves in the foot with bad starts.”
The Stars head into Tuesday’s game in a four-way battle San Jose, Phoenix and Los Angeles for the Pacific Division title. They are tied with the Coyotes at 83 points and have one game in hand.
“We’ve just got worry about our games and what we can control,” said Stars captain Brenden Morrow. “That’s Phoenix on Tuesday.”
Kari Lehtonen is scheduled to start in goal for the Stars on Tuesday.
Injuries: RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) and D Sheldon Souray (lower body) are probable.
About the Coyotes
The Coyotes (36-26-11) are coming off a 3-2 shootout win in Edmonton on Sunday. The Coyotes overcame a 2-0 deficit, scoring two goals in the third period to force overtime and then won the game in the shootout.
“You look at the way the game went and we weren't playing the way we needed to be," Coyotes captain Shane Doan said. “They played really, well but we were just able to find a way. We're feeling a bit fortunate right now.”
Coyotes coach Dave Tippett earned his 400th career victory in Sunday’s game.
“401 on Tuesday would work for me,” Tippett said.
The Coyotes are 2-1-0 on their current road trip, which concludes Tuesday in Dallas.
Injuries: RW Radim Vrbata (undisclosed) and LW Taylor Pyatt (undisclosed) are questionable. D Adrian Aucoin (lower body) is day-to-day. C Kyle Chipchura (wrist) is out.
Series notes
*This is the sixth and final meeting between the two teams.
*The Stars are 2-2-1 in the season series.
*The Coyotes are 3-0-2 in the season series.
*October 10, at Dallas: Stars 2, Coyotes 1 (SO)
*October 25, at Phoenix: Star3, Coyotes 2 (OT)
*November 26, at Phoenix: Coyotes 3, Stars 0
*February 7, at Dallas: Coyotes 4, Stars 1
*February 18, at Phoenix: Coyotes 2, Stars 1 (OT)
Statistical tidbits
*The Stars have six goals over their last four games.
*The Stars haven’t had a power play chance in the last two games and are 1-9 on the power play over the last five games.
*The Coyotes have the 30th ranked power play in the league and are 2-20 on the PP over their last eight games.
*The Stars are 40-42 (95.2%) on the penalty kill over the last 13 games.
*The Coyotes are 26-28 (92.9%) on the penalty kill over the last nine games.
*Stars forward Jamie Benn has four goals in the last six games.
*Coyotes forward Ray Whitney is on a four-game points streak (one goal, five assists).
Tuesday, March 20
7:00 p.m.
TV: NBC Sports Network
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (39-28-5) are coming off a 4-1 loss to Chicago on Friday. It was the second straight loss for the Stars following a six-game winning streak and 11-game points streak. Chicago scored two goals in the first 1:42 of the game to take the early lead and then two goals early in the third period to put the game away.
“We put ourselves in a hole there, and you never want to do that against a good team like Chicago,” Benn said. “We did a better job in the second, but had another bad start in the third that crushed us. We shied away from our game a bit. We need to play the simple game, get pucks deep, and win the blue lines. We can’t shoot ourselves in the foot with bad starts.”
The Stars head into Tuesday’s game in a four-way battle San Jose, Phoenix and Los Angeles for the Pacific Division title. They are tied with the Coyotes at 83 points and have one game in hand.
“We’ve just got worry about our games and what we can control,” said Stars captain Brenden Morrow. “That’s Phoenix on Tuesday.”
Kari Lehtonen is scheduled to start in goal for the Stars on Tuesday.
Injuries: RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) and D Sheldon Souray (lower body) are probable.
About the Coyotes
The Coyotes (36-26-11) are coming off a 3-2 shootout win in Edmonton on Sunday. The Coyotes overcame a 2-0 deficit, scoring two goals in the third period to force overtime and then won the game in the shootout.
“You look at the way the game went and we weren't playing the way we needed to be," Coyotes captain Shane Doan said. “They played really, well but we were just able to find a way. We're feeling a bit fortunate right now.”
Coyotes coach Dave Tippett earned his 400th career victory in Sunday’s game.
“401 on Tuesday would work for me,” Tippett said.
The Coyotes are 2-1-0 on their current road trip, which concludes Tuesday in Dallas.
Injuries: RW Radim Vrbata (undisclosed) and LW Taylor Pyatt (undisclosed) are questionable. D Adrian Aucoin (lower body) is day-to-day. C Kyle Chipchura (wrist) is out.
Series notes
*This is the sixth and final meeting between the two teams.
*The Stars are 2-2-1 in the season series.
*The Coyotes are 3-0-2 in the season series.
*October 10, at Dallas: Stars 2, Coyotes 1 (SO)
*October 25, at Phoenix: Star3, Coyotes 2 (OT)
*November 26, at Phoenix: Coyotes 3, Stars 0
*February 7, at Dallas: Coyotes 4, Stars 1
*February 18, at Phoenix: Coyotes 2, Stars 1 (OT)
Statistical tidbits
*The Stars have six goals over their last four games.
*The Stars haven’t had a power play chance in the last two games and are 1-9 on the power play over the last five games.
*The Coyotes have the 30th ranked power play in the league and are 2-20 on the PP over their last eight games.
*The Stars are 40-42 (95.2%) on the penalty kill over the last 13 games.
*The Coyotes are 26-28 (92.9%) on the penalty kill over the last nine games.
*Stars forward Jamie Benn has four goals in the last six games.
*Coyotes forward Ray Whitney is on a four-game points streak (one goal, five assists).
Chicago Blackhawks at Dallas Stars
Friday, March 16
7:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (39-27-5) had a six-game winning streak and an 11-game points streak snapped with a 5-2 loss at Winnipeg on Wednesday.
“We beat ourselves, we didn’t play well, we turned pucks over way too easy,” Stars defenseman Stephane Robidas said. “We didn’t play a simple game like we’ve been doing in the past 11, 12 games. We’ve just got to go back to basics.”
Friday’s game against Chicago kicks off a four-game homestand that will see the Stars also play Phoenix, Vancouver and Calgary.
Kari Lehtonen is scheduled to start in goal for the Stars Friday.
Injuries: D Philip Larsen (lower body) is day-to-day. RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) and D Sheldon Souray (lower body) are out.
About the Blackhawks
The Blackhawks (38-25-8) are coming off a 4-3 shootout victory over St. Louis on Tuesday. The Blackhawks overcame a 3-1 deficit in the game and put 46 shots on goal against the defensive-minded Blues.
“That was a fun game,” Chicago forward Patrick Kane said. “A really fun game. … To put up 40-plus shots on a team like that, that is so defensive, says something about our team. What we can do when we play to our potential.”
Chicago improved to 5-2-0 over its last seven games.
Corey Crawford is scheduled to start in goal for the Blackhawks.
Injuries: D Niklas Hjalmarsson (upper body) is questionable. C Jonathan Toews (concussion), D Steve Montador (concussion), LW Daniel Carcillo (knee) and D Sami Lepisto (leg) are out.
Series notes
*This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams.
*The Stars are 2-1-0 in the season series and the Blackhawks are 1-2-0.
*October 7, at Dallas: Stars 2, Blackhawks 1
*October 8, at Chicago: Blackhawks 5, Stars 2
*February 23, at Chicago, Stars 3, Blackhawks 1
*If the playoffs started Friday, the Stars and Blackhawks would meet in the first round.
Statistical tidbits
*Over his last nine starts, Dallas goalie Kari Lehtonen is 8-0-1 with a 1.29 goals against average, .955 save percentage and three shutouts.
*Lehtonen has posted shutouts in his last two starts and is currently riding a 128:32 shutout streak.
*Dallas is 4-0-1 in its last five home games.
*The Stars are 36-38 (94.7%) on the penalty kill over the last 12 games.
*Chicago is 11-12 (91.7) on the penalty kill over the last six games.
*Stars forward Loui Eriksson has 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in his last 11 games.
*Chicago forward Patrick Kane has 8 points (5 goals, 3 assists) over his last 8 games.
Dallas Stars at Minnesota Wild
Tuesday, March 13
7:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest Plus
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (38-26-5) ran their winning streak to five games and their points streak to ten (9-0-1) with a 2-0 victory over Anaheim Saturday night. Kari Lehtonen stopped 21 shots for his third shutout of the season.
“Yeah, it’s been fun,” Lehtonen said. “We were not doing well a month ago and then everybody started playing better. We started getting wins. With every win, it gets more exciting.”
Lehtonen will start in goal for the Stars Tuesday.
The Stars recalled D Jordie Benn from Texas (AHL) on Monday.
Injuries: LW Jake Dowell (illness) and RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) are questionable. D Sheldon Souray (lower body) is doubtful.
About the Wild
The Wild (29-30-10) are coming off a 4-3 home loss to Calgary on Sunday. It was the sixth loss in the last seven games for the Wild (1-5-1) and dropped them below .500 for the first time this season. Minnesota was outshot 13-5 in the first period and fell behind the Flames early.
“It’s a little bit maddening. We owe our fans a good game here,” said Wild coach Mike Yeo. “Too many games in a row we’ve come out flat in our own building. We had a lot of guys going, but we didn’t have everybody. … We’re going to play guys that want to play hard.”
Matt Hackett is expected to start in goal for the Wild on Tuesday.
Injuries: F Cal Clutterbuck (illness) is questionable. G Niklas Backstrom (lower body), LW Guillaume Latendresse (concussion), RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard (concussion), D Mike Lundin (lower body), C Mikko Koivu (shoulder) and D Justin Falk (lower body) are out
Series notes
*This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams this season.
*The Stars are 2-1-0 in the season series.
*The Wild are 1-1-1 in the season series.
*January 21, at Minnesota: Wild 5, Stars 2
*February 4, at Dallas: Stars 2, Wild 1 (SO)
*February 24, at Dallas: Stars 4, Wild 1
Statistical tidbits
*Excluding goals awarded for shootout wins, the Stars have outscored their opposition 31-15 over the last ten games.
*The Stars have won five straight on the road.
*Minnesota has lost three straight at home.
*Dallas is 30-31 (96.8%) on the penalty kill over the last ten games.
*The Stars have not allowed a five-on-four power play goal over the last ten games.
*Minnesota is 0-17 on the power play over the last seven games.
*The Wild have been shutout in three of their last seven games.
*Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen is 7-0-1 in his last eight starts with a 1.45 goals against average, .950 save percentage and two shutouts.
*Stars forward Michael Ryder is on a career-high nine-game point streak (7 goals, 4 assists). It’s the longest active scoring streak in the NHL.
Tuesday, March 13
7:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest Plus
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (38-26-5) ran their winning streak to five games and their points streak to ten (9-0-1) with a 2-0 victory over Anaheim Saturday night. Kari Lehtonen stopped 21 shots for his third shutout of the season.
“Yeah, it’s been fun,” Lehtonen said. “We were not doing well a month ago and then everybody started playing better. We started getting wins. With every win, it gets more exciting.”
Lehtonen will start in goal for the Stars Tuesday.
The Stars recalled D Jordie Benn from Texas (AHL) on Monday.
Injuries: LW Jake Dowell (illness) and RW Radek Dvorak (ankle) are questionable. D Sheldon Souray (lower body) is doubtful.
About the Wild
The Wild (29-30-10) are coming off a 4-3 home loss to Calgary on Sunday. It was the sixth loss in the last seven games for the Wild (1-5-1) and dropped them below .500 for the first time this season. Minnesota was outshot 13-5 in the first period and fell behind the Flames early.
“It’s a little bit maddening. We owe our fans a good game here,” said Wild coach Mike Yeo. “Too many games in a row we’ve come out flat in our own building. We had a lot of guys going, but we didn’t have everybody. … We’re going to play guys that want to play hard.”
Matt Hackett is expected to start in goal for the Wild on Tuesday.
Injuries: F Cal Clutterbuck (illness) is questionable. G Niklas Backstrom (lower body), LW Guillaume Latendresse (concussion), RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard (concussion), D Mike Lundin (lower body), C Mikko Koivu (shoulder) and D Justin Falk (lower body) are out
Series notes
*This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams this season.
*The Stars are 2-1-0 in the season series.
*The Wild are 1-1-1 in the season series.
*January 21, at Minnesota: Wild 5, Stars 2
*February 4, at Dallas: Stars 2, Wild 1 (SO)
*February 24, at Dallas: Stars 4, Wild 1
Statistical tidbits
*Excluding goals awarded for shootout wins, the Stars have outscored their opposition 31-15 over the last ten games.
*The Stars have won five straight on the road.
*Minnesota has lost three straight at home.
*Dallas is 30-31 (96.8%) on the penalty kill over the last ten games.
*The Stars have not allowed a five-on-four power play goal over the last ten games.
*Minnesota is 0-17 on the power play over the last seven games.
*The Wild have been shutout in three of their last seven games.
*Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen is 7-0-1 in his last eight starts with a 1.45 goals against average, .950 save percentage and two shutouts.
*Stars forward Michael Ryder is on a career-high nine-game point streak (7 goals, 4 assists). It’s the longest active scoring streak in the NHL.
Anaheim Ducks at Dallas Stars
Saturday March 10
7:00 p.m.
TV: TXA 21
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (37-26-5) ran their winning streak to four games and their points streak to nine (8-0-1) with a 4-3 win over San Jose Thursday night. Tomas Vincour scored the game-tying goal with 1:15 remaining and scored the lone goal of the shootout. Kari Lehtonen made 45 saves and stopped five of five shots in the shootout.
“A game is 60 minutes and we showed it tonight. We battled to the end,” said Vincour. “We’re having fun, it’s huge, we’re playing for each other and that’s the best feeling you can have when you’re playing hockey.”
The Stars activated Brenden Morrow, who has missed the last 18 games with neck/back issues, from injured reserve Friday. Morrow is questionable for Saturday.
Lehtonen will start in goal for the Stars Saturday.
Injuries: LW Brenden Morrow (neck/back) and LW Steve Ott (back) are questionable. D Sheldon Souray (lower body) is out.
About the Ducks
The Ducks (29-29-10) lost 3-1 at St. Louis Thursday. It was the fourth loss in the last six games for the Ducks, whose hopes for the making the playoffs are fading away.
“Obviously the next two are going to be the biggest games of the season,” Ducks forward Teemu Selanne told the Orange County Register. “We all know that. We all know what the number is going to be to make the playoffs and how many we can lose and how many we got to win. But we keep fighting.”
Ducks forward Nick Bonino was injured in Thursday’s game. Anaheim recalled F recalled Ryan O'Marra from Syracuse of the AHL on Friday.
Injuries: F Nick Bonino (lower body) is questionable. G Dan Ellis (groin) is out.
Series notes
*This is the sixth and final meeting between the two teams.
*The Stars are 4-1-0 in the season series.
*The Ducks are 1-4-0 in the season series.
*October 21, at Anaheim: Stars 3, Ducks 1
*December 19, at Dallas: Stars 5, Ducks 3
*January 10, at Anaheim: Ducks 5, Stars 2
*January 24, at Dallas: Stars 1, Ducks 0
*February 1, at Anaheim: Stars 6, Ducks 2
Statistical tidbits
*The Stars’ nine game points streak is their longest since 2005-06, when they went 8-0-1 from Jan. 23 to Feb. 9.
*The Stars are 3-0-1 in their last four home games.
*The Ducks have lost three straight on the road.
*The Stars are 26-27 (96.3%) on the penalty kill during their nine game points streak.
*The Ducks are 1-15 (6.7%) on the power play over the last five games.
*Michael Ryder is on an eight- game points streak (6 goals, 4 assists).
*Ducks forward Corey Perry has four goals over the last four games.
Saturday March 10
7:00 p.m.
TV: TXA 21
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (37-26-5) ran their winning streak to four games and their points streak to nine (8-0-1) with a 4-3 win over San Jose Thursday night. Tomas Vincour scored the game-tying goal with 1:15 remaining and scored the lone goal of the shootout. Kari Lehtonen made 45 saves and stopped five of five shots in the shootout.
“A game is 60 minutes and we showed it tonight. We battled to the end,” said Vincour. “We’re having fun, it’s huge, we’re playing for each other and that’s the best feeling you can have when you’re playing hockey.”
The Stars activated Brenden Morrow, who has missed the last 18 games with neck/back issues, from injured reserve Friday. Morrow is questionable for Saturday.
Lehtonen will start in goal for the Stars Saturday.
Injuries: LW Brenden Morrow (neck/back) and LW Steve Ott (back) are questionable. D Sheldon Souray (lower body) is out.
About the Ducks
The Ducks (29-29-10) lost 3-1 at St. Louis Thursday. It was the fourth loss in the last six games for the Ducks, whose hopes for the making the playoffs are fading away.
“Obviously the next two are going to be the biggest games of the season,” Ducks forward Teemu Selanne told the Orange County Register. “We all know that. We all know what the number is going to be to make the playoffs and how many we can lose and how many we got to win. But we keep fighting.”
Ducks forward Nick Bonino was injured in Thursday’s game. Anaheim recalled F recalled Ryan O'Marra from Syracuse of the AHL on Friday.
Injuries: F Nick Bonino (lower body) is questionable. G Dan Ellis (groin) is out.
Series notes
*This is the sixth and final meeting between the two teams.
*The Stars are 4-1-0 in the season series.
*The Ducks are 1-4-0 in the season series.
*October 21, at Anaheim: Stars 3, Ducks 1
*December 19, at Dallas: Stars 5, Ducks 3
*January 10, at Anaheim: Ducks 5, Stars 2
*January 24, at Dallas: Stars 1, Ducks 0
*February 1, at Anaheim: Stars 6, Ducks 2
Statistical tidbits
*The Stars’ nine game points streak is their longest since 2005-06, when they went 8-0-1 from Jan. 23 to Feb. 9.
*The Stars are 3-0-1 in their last four home games.
*The Ducks have lost three straight on the road.
*The Stars are 26-27 (96.3%) on the penalty kill during their nine game points streak.
*The Ducks are 1-15 (6.7%) on the power play over the last five games.
*Michael Ryder is on an eight- game points streak (6 goals, 4 assists).
*Ducks forward Corey Perry has four goals over the last four games.
San Jose Sharks at Dallas Stars
Thursday March 8
7:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest Plus
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (36-26-5) completed a 3-0-0 road trip through Western Canada with a 5-2 win at Vancouver Tuesday. The victory pushed the Stars’ points streak to eight games (7-0-1).
“You can’t ask for more. Our guys battled hard tonight at the end of a road trip,” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “We got six points out of this thing that we desperately needed. We’ve just got to keep moving forward and stay in the grind.”
The Stars, who lead the Pacific Division, are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games overall.
Kari Lehtonen is scheduled to start in goal for the Stars.
Injuries: LW Jake Dowell (finger) and LW Brenden Morrow (neck/back) are out.
About the Sharks
The Sharks (33-24-8) are coming off a 3-2 shootout loss to Edmonton on Tuesday. The Sharks are winless in their last three games are 2-7-2 over their last 11 games.
"Our mettle's being tested, there's no doubt about it," said Sharks coach Todd McLellan. "We've been tested for a month now, since we've been on the road trip and it didn't go the way we wanted it to. We had some real stinkers. We had some good games we played in and didn't win. ... We'll dig out of it and eventually find a way. You've got to really work your way through this before you're going to win. I think we're getting close and we've got to keep going."
San Jose finished its four-game homestand with a 1-4-1 record. Thursday’s game kicks off a four-game road trip for San Jose.
Injuries: RW Martin Havlat (hamstring) is out.
Series notes
*This is the fourth of six meetings between the two teams.
*San Jose has won the first three, all in regulation.
*November 19, at Dallas: Sharks 4, Stars 1
*December 8, at San Jose: Sharks 5, Stars 2
*February 2, at San Jose: Sharks 5, Stars 2
Statistical tidbits
*San Jose is 1-5-1 in its last seven road games.
*Excluding goals awarded for the shootout, the Stars have outscored their opponents 26-12 during their eight-game points streak.
*The Stars are 23-24 (95.8%) on the penalty kill over the last eight games and are now ranked 10th in the league in penalty killing.
*The Stars have allowed two goals or fewer in nine of their last 11 games.
*Excluding the goals awarded for shootouts, the Stars have scored three goals or more in seven of their last eight games.
*The Sharks have scored four goals over their last four games (1.0 per game) and allowed six (1.50 per game).
*Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen is 5-0-1 in his last six starts with a 1.45 goals against average and .948 save percentage.
*Stars forward Michael Ryder is on a seven-game points streak (5 goals, 7 assists).
*Stars forward Loui Eriksson has 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in the last seven games.
*Stars center Mike Ribeiro has points in 10 of his last 11 games and has 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) during that span.
Thursday March 8
7:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Southwest Plus
Radio: KTCK-1310 (AM)
About the Stars
The Stars (36-26-5) completed a 3-0-0 road trip through Western Canada with a 5-2 win at Vancouver Tuesday. The victory pushed the Stars’ points streak to eight games (7-0-1).
“You can’t ask for more. Our guys battled hard tonight at the end of a road trip,” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “We got six points out of this thing that we desperately needed. We’ve just got to keep moving forward and stay in the grind.”
The Stars, who lead the Pacific Division, are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games overall.
Kari Lehtonen is scheduled to start in goal for the Stars.
Injuries: LW Jake Dowell (finger) and LW Brenden Morrow (neck/back) are out.
About the Sharks
The Sharks (33-24-8) are coming off a 3-2 shootout loss to Edmonton on Tuesday. The Sharks are winless in their last three games are 2-7-2 over their last 11 games.
"Our mettle's being tested, there's no doubt about it," said Sharks coach Todd McLellan. "We've been tested for a month now, since we've been on the road trip and it didn't go the way we wanted it to. We had some real stinkers. We had some good games we played in and didn't win. ... We'll dig out of it and eventually find a way. You've got to really work your way through this before you're going to win. I think we're getting close and we've got to keep going."
San Jose finished its four-game homestand with a 1-4-1 record. Thursday’s game kicks off a four-game road trip for San Jose.
Injuries: RW Martin Havlat (hamstring) is out.
Series notes
*This is the fourth of six meetings between the two teams.
*San Jose has won the first three, all in regulation.
*November 19, at Dallas: Sharks 4, Stars 1
*December 8, at San Jose: Sharks 5, Stars 2
*February 2, at San Jose: Sharks 5, Stars 2
Statistical tidbits
*San Jose is 1-5-1 in its last seven road games.
*Excluding goals awarded for the shootout, the Stars have outscored their opponents 26-12 during their eight-game points streak.
*The Stars are 23-24 (95.8%) on the penalty kill over the last eight games and are now ranked 10th in the league in penalty killing.
*The Stars have allowed two goals or fewer in nine of their last 11 games.
*Excluding the goals awarded for shootouts, the Stars have scored three goals or more in seven of their last eight games.
*The Sharks have scored four goals over their last four games (1.0 per game) and allowed six (1.50 per game).
*Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen is 5-0-1 in his last six starts with a 1.45 goals against average and .948 save percentage.
*Stars forward Michael Ryder is on a seven-game points streak (5 goals, 7 assists).
*Stars forward Loui Eriksson has 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in the last seven games.
*Stars center Mike Ribeiro has points in 10 of his last 11 games and has 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) during that span.
Stars beat Flames in shootout, move up the standings
March, 4, 2012
Mar 4
5:56
PM CT
By
Mark Stepneski | ESPNDallas.com
The Dallas Stars ran their points streak to seven games (6-0-1) with a 3-2 shootout win in Calgary Sunday. The two points moved the Stars into seventh place in the Western Conference and tied them in points with the Phoenix Coyotes, who still hold the Pacific Division lead based on having played one fewer game.
Kari Lehtonen stopped 36 shots and was 2-2 in the shootout. Loui Eriksson and one goal, one assist and scored in the shootout. Michael Ryder also scored for the Stars and Jamie Benn tallied in the shootout.
With the point, the Flames pulled to within three points of eighth-seeded San Jose, but the Sharks have two games in hand.
First period
The Flames outshot the Stars 13-9 in the period. Both goaltenders had big saves. Kari Lehtonen had a series of stops during a scramble in front of this net. Miikka Kiprusoff made a nice save on a point blank chance by Mike Ribeiro.
Calgary had the only two power plays of the periods, had three shots but couldn’t cash in.
Stars forward Steve Ott and Calgary’s Curtis Glencross dropped the gloves in the period.
Second period
The Flames opened the scoring at 7:18 of the second period. David Moss centered the puck from behind the goal line and Curtis Glencross slipped it past Kari Lehtonen to give Calgary a 1-0 lead.
Calgary went on its third power play of the game at the 13:19 mark, but the Stars struck shorthanded to tie the game. Loui Eriksson made a slick move to slip by Flames forward Alex Tanguay and then beat Miikka Kiprusoff with a backhand shot to tie the game 1-1 at 14:59 of the second.
Just moments after Lehtonen stopped Tim Jackman on a breakaway to keep it a tie game, the Stars went on their first power play of the evening and cashed in to take a 2-1 lead. Mike Ribeiro carried the puck into the Calgary zone, dished it off to Eriksson and he sent it to the front of the net, where Michael Ryder scored off the rebound of his own shot with 1:34 left in the period.
Third period
The Stars went on their second power play five minutes into the third, but couldn’t take advantage and extend their lead.
Just after killing off the power play, the Flames tied the game at 2-2. After a Stars turnover in their own end, Tanguay put a shot on net and Mike Cammalleri slipped the rebound to Jarome Iginla, who put the puck into the open side of the net at the 8:00 minute mark of the period.
Both goalies came up with big saves to keep it tied and send it into overtime. Lehtonen stopped Olli Jokinen’s point blank bid and Kiprusoff made a nice pad stop on Alex Goligoski blast from the slot late in the game.
Overtime/shootout
The Stars went on a power play 2:11 into overtime when Cammalleri hooked Ryder as he tried to put a rebound into the open side of the net. The Stars had some good chances, but Kiprusoff made a glove save on a blast from Sheldon Souray and then stopped a shot by Ryder from the left circle just as the power play was expiring.
In the shootout, Jamie Benn and Eriksson scored for the Stars. Lehtonen stopped Jokinen and Tanguay.
Stars lineup
Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder
Ott-Benn-Burish
Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak
Garbutt-Wandell-Vincour
Souray-Robidas
Fistric-Daley
Goligoski-Larsen
Lehtonen (starter)
Bachman
Scratched: Pardy
Injured: Petersen (personal), Dowell (finger), Morrow (neck/back)
Kari Lehtonen stopped 36 shots and was 2-2 in the shootout. Loui Eriksson and one goal, one assist and scored in the shootout. Michael Ryder also scored for the Stars and Jamie Benn tallied in the shootout.
With the point, the Flames pulled to within three points of eighth-seeded San Jose, but the Sharks have two games in hand.
First period
The Flames outshot the Stars 13-9 in the period. Both goaltenders had big saves. Kari Lehtonen had a series of stops during a scramble in front of this net. Miikka Kiprusoff made a nice save on a point blank chance by Mike Ribeiro.
Calgary had the only two power plays of the periods, had three shots but couldn’t cash in.
Stars forward Steve Ott and Calgary’s Curtis Glencross dropped the gloves in the period.
Second period
The Flames opened the scoring at 7:18 of the second period. David Moss centered the puck from behind the goal line and Curtis Glencross slipped it past Kari Lehtonen to give Calgary a 1-0 lead.
Calgary went on its third power play of the game at the 13:19 mark, but the Stars struck shorthanded to tie the game. Loui Eriksson made a slick move to slip by Flames forward Alex Tanguay and then beat Miikka Kiprusoff with a backhand shot to tie the game 1-1 at 14:59 of the second.
Just moments after Lehtonen stopped Tim Jackman on a breakaway to keep it a tie game, the Stars went on their first power play of the evening and cashed in to take a 2-1 lead. Mike Ribeiro carried the puck into the Calgary zone, dished it off to Eriksson and he sent it to the front of the net, where Michael Ryder scored off the rebound of his own shot with 1:34 left in the period.
Third period
The Stars went on their second power play five minutes into the third, but couldn’t take advantage and extend their lead.
Just after killing off the power play, the Flames tied the game at 2-2. After a Stars turnover in their own end, Tanguay put a shot on net and Mike Cammalleri slipped the rebound to Jarome Iginla, who put the puck into the open side of the net at the 8:00 minute mark of the period.
Both goalies came up with big saves to keep it tied and send it into overtime. Lehtonen stopped Olli Jokinen’s point blank bid and Kiprusoff made a nice pad stop on Alex Goligoski blast from the slot late in the game.
Overtime/shootout
The Stars went on a power play 2:11 into overtime when Cammalleri hooked Ryder as he tried to put a rebound into the open side of the net. The Stars had some good chances, but Kiprusoff made a glove save on a blast from Sheldon Souray and then stopped a shot by Ryder from the left circle just as the power play was expiring.
In the shootout, Jamie Benn and Eriksson scored for the Stars. Lehtonen stopped Jokinen and Tanguay.
Stars lineup
Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder
Ott-Benn-Burish
Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak
Garbutt-Wandell-Vincour
Souray-Robidas
Fistric-Daley
Goligoski-Larsen
Lehtonen (starter)
Bachman
Scratched: Pardy
Injured: Petersen (personal), Dowell (finger), Morrow (neck/back)
TEAM RESOURCES
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mark Stepneski
Mark Stepneski joined ESPNDallas.com in July 2010. A former news/special projects producer for KXAS-TV, he has run the Andrew's Dallas Stars Page website since 1997.
Richard Durrett
Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.