Dallas Stars Continue Domination Of Jets, Win 5-3 On Road

The Dallas Stars converged in Winnipeg tonight and found a way to break out of their slump. They defeated the Jets 5-3 and regained possession of first place in the Western Conference.

The Dallas Stars visited Winnipeg on Tuesday night dragging a three-game losing streak behind them. But they finally put their foot down and found their way back to the win column. Riding a big third period, the Stars knocked off the Jets by a final score of 5-3.

Game recap

The Dallas Stars started the game off with authority, as most would expect. While the Stars were desperately trying to get out of their losing slump, the Jets were falling further and further out of playoff competition. The Stars found some excellent chances early on in the game, and Jason Spezza would eventually break the scoreless tie with a power play goal at 12:45.

The Stars would carry the lead into the second period, where the Jets would find a way to tie things back up on a rebound goal from Alexander Burmistrov. The Stars countered that goal with a Valeri Nichushkin snap shot to regain the lead at 2-1. But Andrew Ladd would be quick to respond, scoring a shorthanded goal late in the period.

The third period came along, and much like the first period, it was cluttered with penalties. A total of nine penalties were called in the game, five against Winnipeg and four against Dallas. After a Colton Sceviour goal that took a 3-2 lead for the Stars, Jamie Benn scored a power play goal on a rebound to make it 4-2. John Klingberg would pick up his third assist of the night on the Benn power play goal.

As the Jets emptied their net with around 2:30 left, Mark Scheifele attempted to get his team back in the game with a goal that cut the deficit to one. Jamie Benn would eventually put the final nail in the coffin though, scoring an empty net goal to finish off the 5-3 game. The Stars outshot the Jets 27-25 and went 2/5 on the power play and 4/4 on the penalty kill.

Thoughts and Observations

Does D stand for Dallas or domination? Or both?

With the win, the Dallas Stars continue their utter domination of their division rival, the Winnipeg Jets. The Stars are now 4-0-0 against the Jets this season and only have one more game against them on Thursday in Dallas. If Dallas wins, it will be the first time ever that the Stars have swept a Central Division opponent in a given season since the realignment.

Not bad for a team that went 1-3-0 against the Jets last season, huh?

John Klingberg’s search for consistency lives on

John Klingberg received first star honors tonight for three assists, a +1 plus/minus rating, and two shots on goal. He was hands down the most effective player for the Stars on offense tonight.

But what about defense? Klingberg ended up being on the ice for two goals for and one goal against tonight (not counting power play goals which do not affect +/-). His one goal against was an avoidable one as well. Klingberg lost his stick during an offensive attack, and Winnipeg eventually scored on the rebound.

It’s interesting to watch John Klingberg finally play on a mortal level this year, and sometimes aggravating. If Klingberg can continue his offensive dominance and kick it up a notch on defense, he will once again be in talks for the Norris Trophy. But until he works all the kinks out, he’ll be stuck on the ground level with the majority of the NHL.

More stars: Three Options Stars Could Pursue At NHL Trade Deadline

Home sweet home

The Dallas Stars will now return to the American Airlines Center and finally be able to sleep in their own beds for a prolonged period of time. So far throughout the month of February, the Stars have played eight road games and only three home games, all of which have been on Saturday nights.

The Stars now face a three-game home stand over the course of the next week in which they will take on the Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings. None of the three teams will give fold easily and Dallas will need to be on their toes.

Next: Ales Hemsky Helping Shine Light For Stars In Midst Of Slump

Tonight’s win was an impressive one, but the Jets are hanging around for one more. This home-and-home series draws some serious comparisons to what the playoffs will be like for the Dallas Stars. Let’s see if they’re ready to take on the challenge.