The Dallas Stars took on the San Jose Sharks last night in an all out brawl that showed fans that even though they aren’t in the same division anymore, their rivalry is still going strong.
Up until this point, the Sharks had a perfect 6-0-0 undefeated record, and the Stars were lagging behind with a 2-3-0 record, but the Stars fought hard to pick up the 4-3 victory in the shootout.
The game got off to a bit of a rough start for Dallas, as Sharks center Tyler Kennedy got the puck past Dan Ellis a mere nine seconds into the game. The Stars didn’t let this phase them one bit and kept going strong and working hard not to let the Sharks get the upper hand. Ray Whitney picked up a two minute minor for hooking, but the Stars were able to keep the Sharks from converting their powerplay into another goal. The game was a bit back and forth until Tyler Seguin was able to score for his team on an even strength goal assisted by Jamie Benn and Stephane Robidas. The tied up game didn’t last long as Matthew Nieto scored on Ellis, assisted by Joe Pavelski and Tommy Wingels to bring their team back to the top, ending the first period at 2-1.
The Stars came into the second period looking to even up the game, and that’s exactly what they did as defenseman Trevor Daley picked up a goal about two minutes into the period assisted by Cody Eakin and Ray Whitney, evening up the score and showing the Stars that they are not a team to be messed with. The game stayed at a tied up 2-2 for half the period until Sharks assistant captain Patrick Marleau scored a goal assisted by Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Antti Niemi, but the Stars weren’t going to let them celebrate too much as the speeding tomato Cody Eakin pulled through for his team and got the puck past Niemi, assisted by Alex Chiasson and Ray Whitney. Later in the period, Sharks defenseman Matt Irwin dished out a nasty illegal hit to Trevor Daley, boarding him, and young Antoine Roussel was not at all happy about it, immediately going after Irwin and giving him an old fashioned beatdown. Roussel received the regular five minutes for fighting and Irwin received that plus a two minute minor for boarding. The second period came to an end with both teams tied up at 3-3.
(Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Both teams came into the third period looking to get the upper hand and victory, but neither team was able to do so. It was a full on brawl for the win with neither team giving the other any slack. Brenden Dillon picked up a penalty for the Stars, a two minute minor for cross checking, but the Stars stayed strong and once again did not allow the Sharks to convert their powerplay into a goal. The period came to an end with the score still tied at 3-3 and led the game into a 5 minute overtime period.
Overtime looked much like the third period with both team in a race to get the game winning goal and victory, but neither would allow the other a chance. The Stars defenseman Sergei Gonchar got a two minute cross checking penalty, but the Sharks weren’t able to turn that opportunity into a goal, although there were several close calls, the game went into the final phase: the shootout.
Everyone watching this game was on the edge of their seats as tensions rose to an all-time high for the game. First up in the shootout was Stars captain Jamie Benn, but he was unable to get the goal. Pavelski was stopped for the Sharks and Tyler Seguin missed the net on his shot. Next up for the Sharks was Logan Couture who was also stopped by Dan Ellis, but young rookie, Alex Chiasson was next up for the Stars and managed to get the puck past Niemi for one final goal. The Sharks sent out Brent Burns for their third and final player in the shootout, but he was no match for Dan Ellis, who blocked the shot signaling the end of the game, a Stars victory, and the first loss of the season for the San Jose Sharks.
This was a really great game full of exciting moments and complete dedication for both teams. The Sharks were looking to remain undefeated this season and the Stars were looking to end that streak and make a statement. Through a very tough fight throughout the game and into overtime, the Stars came out on top with a well earned victory
A new star is rising in Dallas.
You can catch the next Stars game this Saturday as they take on the Los Angeles Kings at 9:30 (CT) on FSSW and FSW.
Brendon Carlton
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