Stars fall to Canucks, 4-3

Feb 21, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Jason Garrison (5) takes down Dallas Stars center Derek Roy (11) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The opportunities were there for the Dallas Stars on Thursday night against the Vancouver Canucks, but they couldn’t capitalize as they fell 4-3. It was Henrik Sedin‘s goal that was the difference maker in the game as the Stars lost their second game in a row. You would think the Stars were going to win the game when they controlled most of the game but they couldn’t capitalize on the chances they were given.

They controlled most of the first period as they came out with energy and on the same track. It showed as they started the scoring first with 35 seconds into the game from a highlighted goal by Jamie Benn with the beauty dangle and shot that went over Schneider’s glove. Alex Edler scored on the power play and the Canucks tied the game up at 1-1.

The Stars took the 2-1 lead back as a deflected puck landed on Michael Ryder‘s stick as he slipped in a nifty backhand from distance. The Canucks tied it up at 2-2 again as Kevin Bieska backhanded it past Nilstorp going five-hole. Antoine Roussel and Zack Kassian dropped the gloves midway through the second period.

Then disaster struck as the Canucks took a 3-2 lead as Jason Garrison scored from the point that went past Nilstorp’s glove. Henrik Sedin scored on the 2-on-1 breakaway after receiving a beautiful pass by Alex Burrows that made it 4-2.  The Stars tried to come back and win the game when Brenden Morrow picked Ryan Kesler‘s pocket right in front of the goal and scored making it 4-3 Canucks but it wasn’t enough for the Stars as they lose their 2nd game in a row.

The next game for the Dallas Stars is when they face the division rivals, San Jose Sharks on Saturday at 7:00 pm.

Game Notes

Goal Scorers

Stars:    J. Benn (00:35 – 1^st), M. Ryder (02:39-2^nd), B. Morrow (06:07-3^rd)

Canucks: A. Edler (PPG, 08:29 – 1^st), K. Bieska (07:05-2^nd), J. Garrison (02:32-3^rd), H. Sedin (04:18-3^rd)

Goalies

Stars: C. Nilstorp

Canucks: C. Schneider

Starting Line Up

Forwards:

Morrow-Benn-Jagr
Smith-Roy-Eriksson
Roussel-Eakin-Ryder
Nystrom-Fiddler-Garbutt

Defense:

Dillon-Robidas
Rome-Goligoski
Benn-Larsen

Goaltenders:

Nilstorp (starter)

Bachman (back up)

Scratches:  Matt Fraser

Injuries:  D Trevor Daley (neck), G Kari Lehtonen (groin) and LW Ray Whitney (foot) are out.