Dallas Stars Continue To Suffer In Overtime, Lose 2-1 To Devils
By Josh Clark
The Dallas Stars gave a respectable effort tonight against the New Jersey Devils in their first game back on home ice in over a week. They were able to force overtime, but they once again fell hard in extra time.
Throughout tonight’s game, it almost looked as though the Dallas Stars were going to get back on the winning trail. They were showing strong signs of effort on offense, defense, and in net and were really taking it to the New Jersey Devils. But Dallas still found a way to fall 2-1 in overtime.
Game recap
The Stars started the game off with an excitingly fast pace, challenging the Devils at every turn. But it was New Jersey that hopped on the board first when Damon Severson scored on an odd-man rush. Dallas was quick to respond when Antoine Roussel intercepted the puck in the defensive zone and sent a beautiful pass to Patrick Eaves who scored to tie the game.
The second period saw a lot of chances, especially for the Devils, but no goals were scored and the count remained at 1-1.
The third period was full of heart-stopping chances and a power play chance for the Stars that was almost enough to take the lead. But the third period remained scoreless as well and the two clubs moved on to extra time.
And as we all know by now, overtime was not particularly gracious to the Dallas Stars. Just 44 seconds in they coughed up a 2-on-1 to NJ and Adam Henrique ended it. The Devils claimed the 2-1 victory.
Thoughts and Observations
The Dallas Stars now fall to 6-6-5 on the season with 17 points. A win tonight would have scooted them into sole control of the first wild card spot. Instead, they remain in the final spot.
The overtime woes continue
It’s become laughable at this point. The Dallas Stars cannot win in overtime. It must be that they are restricted from doing so by an ulterior force or something. Whatever the case is, it’s getting difficult to stomach.
The Stars have now come out as the losers in the last nine overtime games that they have participated in. That includes five games this year and four from last year.
The Stars’ struggle seems like a simple fix. The only problem is that it seems like there is a new problem to address with each loss. Don’t get buried in the offensive zone, stop crowding your own net, win defensive zone face-offs, etc. Is there ever going to be a time where the Stars have all of these figured out in a game? I guess we’ll have to continue waiting.
A lack of life
The Stars played a very dry and low-energy game tonight. A few of their skaters had some kick and adrenaline early and it showed in their play, but the team as a whole spent the game searching for life. The Devils, on the other hand, hit the ice with a full tank and took it to the Stars. That energy helped them grab the last laugh.
Niemi keeping them in it
Antti Niemi was phenomenal in the crease tonight. After Kari Lehtonen sacrificed five goals to the Canucks on Sunday in his final start of a five-game streak, Niemi was called on to man the crease. He stopped 31-33 and finished with a .939 save percentage. He made some show-stopping saves that kept Dallas in the game until overtime.
With the strong performance tonight, it would not be surprising to see Niemi start on Thursday night against Colorado. Hopefully he will have a capable and ready Stars team in front of him to lend a hand.
Roussel keeps rolling
A Dallas Stars’ player currently owns the longest point streak of any active player in the NHL. No, it’s not Jamie Benn. No, it’s not Tyler Seguin. Try Antoine Roussel.
After a well-timed steal tonight against New Jersey, Roussel dished the puck to Patrick Eaves who scored the Stars’ only goal. That primary assist marked the seventh straight game for Roussel to tally a point in. Keep it up, you angry Frenchman. Those Dallas Stars will need every bit of it.
The final stat line
The Devils outshot the Stars 33-24 in tonight’s contest. Dallas owned the advantage in the face-off dot (52.8%-47.2%) and outhit New Jersey 22-10. The Stars also blocked 27 shots to the Devils’ 17. Dallas went 0/2 on the power play and 1/1 on the penalty kill.
Next: Stars' Play Is Improved, But Fatal Flaws Remain
Looking ahead
The Dallas Stars played a good game tonight and were lucky to get a point. They did not have a lot of passion behind their effort, but still made the right plays at the right times. Sadly, the costly mistakes continue to hinder them. But the race rages on.
The Stars’ next contest will be on Thursday night as they continue a four-game home stand. They will welcome the Colorado Avalanche to town for an interdivisional matchup. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30. Make sure to check Blackout Dallas for complete coverage of the game.