Dallas Stars Earn Victory, But Fall Just Short To Blues
The Dallas Stars fell just short in an intense overtime period against the St. Louis Blues in game two. It’s going to be a tough one to overcome. Post game wrap up is below.
The Dallas Stars fought and once again proved why they are one of the final eight contenders for the Stanley Cup on Sunday afternoon. In front of a strong home crowd, the Stars rallied against the St. Louis Blues in game two to send the game to overtime.
But they ended up falling just short, essentially knotting the series up. Post game wrap up and thoughts on the game can be found below.
Game recap
The first period began with a massive assault from the Dallas Stars. The Stars were pouring shots on net and keeping the Blues hemmed in, and Alex Goligoski found the back of the net just 3:36 into the game. Patrik Berglund would strike for the Blues just 35 seconds later to tie it back at 1-1. Joel Edmundson and Troy Brouwer both struck in the first as well to take a commanding 3-1 lead into the first intermission.
Antti Niemi replaced Kari Lehtonen in the Stars’ net to start the second. The second period featured a back-and-forth effort from both clubs, with neither goalie budging. The third period rolled around, and Dallas would not be denied. Matters Janmark scored early and Jamie Benn scored late to tie the game at 3-3 and force overtime.
The Stars would control overtime, but a careless penalty by Antoine Roussel set up a power play goal by David Backes halfway through the extra frame. The Blues defeated the Stars 4-3 to tie the series at 1-1 and shift home for two games in St. Louis.
Thoughts and Observations
Let’s blame it on the nerves
The Dallas Stars were not the favorites going into this series. In game one, they proved all the doubters wrong by outplaying the Blues in almost every aspect and snagging a 2-1 victory. Today they once again proved that they are a dominant team, but still lost. What’s up with that?
All in all, it may have been some common nerves. Holding a 1-0 series lead and having a chance to put a stamp on the series, they might have hiccuped a bit. Kari Lehtonen went soft early and the Stars could not stop a furious Blues attack in the first period. Something tells me these same nerves will not follow them into game three.
Penalties galore are never a good thing
The Stars did a great job in overall performance, but their carelessness in committing penalties turned out to be their biggest downfall. The Stars were called on five different penalties this afternoon, and the Blues used the opportunities to score two goals. That’s the difference between a win and a loss.
Goaltending tandem coming in clutch again
There I was writing this morning about how much better prepared Kari Lehtonen was for this postseason than he has been for any previous playoffs, and he had to do this. While it was probably just an ugly effort that he will shake off, Antti Niemi filled the void well.
After Lehtonen was pulled in the first intermission for allowing two goals on five shots, Niemi swept in and went 19-20, only allowing the eventual game winning power play goal in overtime. Niemi will likely get the start in game three, meaning that the Stars will have an excellent opportunity to rally around the goalie change and regain the series lead.
Special teams need to be more special
The Stars’ special teams play this afternoon was nothing to smile about. Not only did they commit five ugly penalties and allow the Blues to score two power play goals, but they also went 0/4 on power play attempts. Considering they are usually sharp in both areas, it was odd to see them so out of shape today. Lindy Ruff will more than likely be working the special teams units extra in practice tomorrow.
More stars: Three Ways Stars Can Knock Off Blues, Keep On Trucking
Do not lose the faith, people
The Dallas Stars may have lost this afternoon, but that is no reason to cover your eyes and prepare for the worst. They lost, but in many cases they deserved the win. They took a 1-0 lead early and decided to try and rest on it. The Blues made them pay for it, but Dallas did not take it lightly. Down 3-1, they fought back in an intense third period to tie the game up and force overtime.
An ugly penalty happens here and there, and it sucks that it had to happen in such a critical moment. But the Stars spirits should not be diminished. It’s now time to decompress, shake it off entirely, and power back in game three. They took one in the Stars’ home barn, so who says the Stars can’t return the favor? If they play as they did both in game one and today, they should have no problem in taking one or even two in St. Louis.
All in all, it was another stellar effort by the Dallas Stars, but the Blues just found a sliver of luck on their side and exploited it. That can’t keep happening, right?
Next: Stars Continue To Prove Doubters Wrong
The Stars will travel to St. Louis to take on the Blues in game three and four at the Scottrade Center. Make sure to check back in to Blackout Dallas for updates and news surrounding the crucial road trip.