Dallas Stars Bounce Back, Knock Off Canucks 3-2 In Shootout
By Josh Clark
The Dallas Stars put together a gritty performance and came up successful. Though it was not the prettiest win, they defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 in the shootout. Game recap can be found below.
It was not the prettiest, but it sure was exciting. The Dallas Stars put on a show for their sellout crowd at home and defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 in the shootout. The Stars now improve to 18-5-0 while the Canucks fall to 9-8-7 on the year.
Game recap
First period
The Dallas Stars did not look like themselves through the first half of the first period. With almost no offensive pressure and six minutes on the penalty kill, it was a tough 10 minutes for Dallas. But the PK group came up big, shutting Vancouver down on all attempts.
The Stars picked up the pace in the second half of the first though, and found their happy place on the PP. After Patrick Sharp drew a tripping penalty on Daniel Sedin, the Stars kicked it into high gear. With 4:33 remaining in the first, Tyler Seguin sent a shot towards the net that found a piece of Jamie Benn‘s ankle and deflected into the net. Sharp and Seguin were given credit for the assists on the game’s first goal.
That gave the Stars the 1-0 lead and they held it until the end of the first. At the end of one, both teams had found some good chances, but the Stars retained the lead. Shots were 15-8 in favor of the Canucks.
Second period
The second period started rather quietly for both sides. Only one shot was taken in the first 2:30 of action. But with 16:50 remaining in the period, John Klingberg committed another costly turnover as he did in the game before. This time an awkward no-look backhand pass was intercepted by Jannik Hansen who kicked it to Daniel Sedin for the quick goal. This tied the game at 1-1.
Play would rolling along until the Klingberg drew a tripping penalty on Sven Baertschi with 8:35 remaining. Just 27 seconds later, Jason Spezza found a slap shot power play goal worthy of his highlight reel. Spezza slapped it from the right circle and squeezed it in on the top corner above Miller’s awaiting glove. Sharp and Klingberg were awarded the assists as the Stars took the 2-1 lead.
The Dallas Stars would pick up the intensity towards the end of the second period, but the score would hold true at 2-1 in favor of Dallas. Vancouver led the shot totals 21-14. A questionable interference penalty was called on Colton Sceviour with six seconds remaining in the period that sent the Canucks to a power play.
Third period
The third period started much like the second and continued to be a quiet frame for the majority of the period. Alex Goliogski committed a penalty with 13:34 to go and sent the Stars to the PK. But 32 seconds later, Alexandre Burrows was caught for a penalty. Both would be killed off and the teams would remain in a 2-1 game.
That was until the referees began calling some questionable penalties on the Stars. An interference call on Ales Hemsky put the Stars on another PK with 6:40 to go. The Stars were doing fine killing it off until the officials called a tripping penalty on Jamie Benn with 25 seconds to go in the Hemsky minor. Hemsky would escape the box, but Henrik Sedin capitalized on a rebound that tied the game 2-2.
This would hold precedent and the third period would end all tied up. Shots were 34-19 Canucks as overtime began.
Live Feed
App Trigger
Overtime
The overtime period was like one we’ve seen already this season: all Dallas Stars. The Stars created some beautiful chances and as a result pitted Vancouver in penalty trouble. The Canucks were called for too many men on the ice, but the Stars could not capitalize in the 4-on-3. Antti Niemi made a rather majestic diving save on a shot from near center ice right before the overtime ended. Shots were 36-25 Vancouver.
The shootout went as many did last year, only this time the Dallas Stars had a goaltender that locked down the crease. Niemi went 3/3 and Tyler Seguin scored as the first shooter, giving the Stars the 3-2 victory on home ice.
Thoughts and Observations
The Dallas Stars now improve to 18-5-0 on the season with 36 points, which puts them in sole control of second place throughout the NHL. They are a mere two points behind first place and have a game in hand
The Stars have yet to lose back-to-back games this season. So the bounce-back is real.
The Dallas Stars special teams units were on fire. The Stars went 2/5 on the power play tonight and 6/7 on the penalty kill. These goals and shutouts are the main reason the Stars were able to defeat Vancouver.
John Klingberg had a decent bounce back game, but still committed a lousy and avoidable turnover. He will need to return to his former status if the Stars are to keep up their defensive dominance.
Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn took six of the 14 penalty minutes, though both calls were questionable in regards to their severity.
More from Blackout Dallas
- Dallas Stars Traverse City Tournament: Who had great performances?
- Grushnikov and Stankoven lead Dallas Stars to 6-3 win over Columbus
- Dallas Stars prospects look to wrap up tournament with a win
- Burn the tapes: Dallas Stars prospects lose 5-1 to Toronto Maple Leafs
- Dallas Stars look to continue success today against the Maple Leafs
The hits (14-14), blocked shots (14-15), and giveaways (15-19) were pretty even. But the Stars dominated the dot, winning 37 face-offs compared to Vancouver’s 24.
The shots were 36-25 in favor of the Canucks. In other words, even though the Dallas Stars were not entirely dominating puck possession and offensive efficiency, Antti Niemi was able to control the load and put on a stellar show in net tonight.
This was the Stars first shootout of the season. It seems as though Tyler Seguin has never missed a shootout shot since joining Dallas. So if he can keep it up and the goaltending can continue its efficiency, going to extra time should not be of any more worry.
Niemi took a heavy load tonight in net. That being said, the question of who will start at goalie for the Stars tomorrow night remains a mystery. Jack Campbell could be getting his first look at NHL play in over two years against a red hot Minnesota Wild team.
In the post game conference, head coach Lindy Ruff was wished a safe drive to Minnesota to which he jokingly replied, “Nah, I think I’ll fly.”
Next: Stars Morning Skate Quotes: Benn, Campbell, Ruff, and Eaves
Though it was not the prettiest victory, the Stars will take it as they travel to Minnesota for a game tomorrow night that promises to be an entertaining one.