Stars take down former divisional rival Red Wings at home

Preview

The two teams came into the game facing each other for the second time this season.  Detroit was able to get the best of Dallas at home, 4-3, on October 6th.  The Stars came into the game two points behind Central Division rivals, Colorado Avalanche, in just as many games played, so Dallas had something to prove.

First Period

Dylan Larkin quickly put the first tally on the board, after an assist by Robby Fabbri and Brian Lashoff.  The goal came just under four minutes into the period.

Dallas was able to come back on a short handed opportunity, after the nine minute mark of the period, as Roope Hintz capitalized on a 2-0 chance, assisted by Lindell and Pavelski.

Mattias Janmark  was absolutely denied by a terrible bounce, off the inside of the post, shortly thereafter.  Just after what looked like a clear goal, the puck walked down the inside of the goal line, without ever clearly crossing.

Second Period

Dallas opened up the scoring, on the power play in the second period, after a blistering shot from Esa Lindell from the point.  It came just under two minutes into the period, as Radek Faksa got his 9th goal of the year, and Roope Hintz  received his second point of the game, post winning the faceoff.

The Stars separated the game to a two goal difference, after a beautiful shot from Joe Pavelski, as he looked off the defender on the 2 on 1, as if he was going to pass, then rifled one over the shoulder of goalie Jonathan Bernier, unassisted.

The period ended 3-1 in favor of Dallas, with the Red Wings being out shot 21-18.

Third Period

Dallas appeared to have put the game at a score of 4-1, however, a goalie interference call disallowed their goal.

After what seemed like another sure fire fourth notch on the board, Bernier  tripped Jamie Benn after an incredibly patient pass by Tyler Seguin.  A power play ensued, but would not result in a goal for either team.

Roman Polak would receive a delay of game penalty, that would end in an empty net goal for Dallas on their 4 on 6 penalty kill.

The game concluded 4-1.

Conclusion

Had Janmark‘s near goal gone in and the goal not been disallowed for the Stars, this could have easily been 6-1.  The Red Wings are clearly a team hoping for a lottery pick.  Dallas could have used the original two points against such a weak team, especially considering this will be the last time they face them.

The Stars will get a much needed four points over their last two games, hopefully maintaining their momentum moving forward.

Three Stars of the Game

1. Joe Pavelski

2. Esa Lindell

3. Roope Hintz