After suffering an embarrassing loss in the season opener at the hands of the Florida Panthers, the Dallas Stars came into this Saturday’s game prepared to get the win.
The Stars changed up their gameplay in this game, making sure not to let their opponents, the Washington Capitals, take control of the game at any point and worked hard to dominate the puck and the ice. Their efforts paid off and led to the Stars picking up a 2-1 win, their first of the 2013-2014 season.
There was a notable change in the Stars’ play right out of the gate this time, with them being much more aggressive this time, not allowing the Capitals too many chances to take over or be too relaxed, which was their downfall last Thursday when they picked up a loss from the Panthers. Both teams were very physical, pushing each other to the limits the whole time. The first goal of the night was a scored by Alex Ovechkin on a Capitals powerplay, assisted Mike Green and Marcus Johansson. The Caps didn’t get to celebrate long, as Erik Cole scored for Dallas, assisted by Tyler Seguin and captain Jamie Benn. The period continued at the same pace, with former Star John Erskine picking up a Washington penalty for holding Jamie Benn. The first period ended with a tied score of 1-1.
The game continued at a great pace after the first intermission, with Washington getting four consecutive shots on goal in the first minute of second period play. Shawn Horcoff picked up a 2 minute penalty halfway through the period for hooking Jay Beagle, but the Capitals were unsuccessful in their attempts of picking up another powerplay goal,only picking up a few shots on goal during this time. Alex Chiasson pulled through for the Stars again, picking up his second goal of the season, assisted by Cody Eakin and Jordie Benn. The Stars ended the second period on top with a score of 2-1.
(Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
Jamie Benn and co. didn’t show any signs of slowing in the 3rd period and came out ready to defend their lead. Washington’s Connor Carrick picked up an early penalty, 2 minutes for slashing Vernon Fiddler. The Stars fought hard, but were unable to convert on the powerplay, leaving the score at 2-1. Dallas was very defensive in this period, not slipping up at any point or giving the Caps any chance to catch up. Washington pulled their goalie towards the end of the period to pick up the extra attacker and moving the game into the Stars’ zone. Tyler Seguin picked up a 2 minute penalty just before the end of the game for delay of game after shooting the puck into the crowd, leaving his team shorthanded 6 on 4. It was a very tense 30 seconds of play as the Stars fought to keep the Caps away from Kari Lehtonen and the net, driving Vernon Fiddler to play like a madman. Their efforts paid off as the period came to an end and the Stars picked up their first win of the season and redeemed themselves from their loss last Thursday.
The Stars definitely made some changes to their playing since Thursday, realizing that they played their last game too relaxed, allowing the Panthers to take over the game and get the win. Coach Lindy Ruff and captain Jamie Benn made sure that their team pushed the Capitals the whole time and never game them a chance to get the advantage. Overall it was a great game and showed that the Stars are much more serious this season and ready to do whatever they need to do to get to the top.
A new star is rising in Dallas.
You can catch the next Stars game against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, October 11 at 7:00PM (CT) on FSSW and TSN.
Brendon Carlton
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