By Martin Iheke
The Dallas Stars were looking to even the series up at a game a piece but fall short again, 3-2, as the Ducks lead the best of seven series, 2-0.
First Period:
The Stars continued their strong play from the end of Game 1 into Game 2 as forward Alex Chiasson scored a power play goal to put his team up, 1-0. Then towards the end of the period, Ducks forward Ryan Getzlaf forced a turnover off Stars forward Erik Cole and put one past Kari Lehtonen to even the score, 1-1. The period ended with eleven shots for the Stars to the Ducks’ 10.
Second Period:
The Ducks continued their momentum into the period with sustained pressure in the Stars’ zone with aggressive forechecking. For a while, the Stars would hold up until captain Jamie Benn turnovers the puck to Ducks forward Corey Perry who then puts one past Lehtonen to put the Ducks up, 2-1. The Stars had another power play opportunity at the end of the period, but could not score. The Stars had ten shots to the Ducks’ seven.
Third Period:
The Stars would go on the power play early in the period but would give up a costly shorthanded goal to Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano that put them up, 3-1. Stars forward Ryan Garbutt would score midway in the period to cut the deficit to, 3-2, but once again could not get the equalizer. The Stars would end up with fifteen shots in the period to the Ducks’ two.
Stars’ Players’ Reaction After the Game:
“Obviously losing two (games), nobody is happy about it,” Stars defenseman Sergei Gonchar said according to dallasnews.com. “At the same time, it is a seven-game series. I think we are playing better. We had a good chance to tie this game. I think the referee missed that penalty, on me, behind the net. In my opinion we should have been 5-on-3. Those mistakes happen on their side, too. We have to keep focused and make sure we are playing the same way we’ve been playing in the third period,” as he continued.
“At the end of the night, we handed them their opportunities and their goals,” Stars head coach Lindy Ruff said according to dallasnews.com. “We skated well, the effort was great but we made a couple mistakes that cost us,” as he continued.
Quick Thoughts:
The Stars were much better overall compared to Game 1, but again, costly turnovers led to all three goals by the Ducks. Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen was outstanding with 34 saves in the game. Kari Lehtonen was at times shaky and right now, the Stars cannot afford that. He must improve his play or this will be a quick series. Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin need to step up their play, especially in the offensive zone as they combined for four shots. The series shifts to Dallas for Game 3 on Monday night as the Stars try to get back into this series.
Series to Date:
Game 1: Ducks 4 Stars 3 – Ducks Lead 1-0
Game 2: Ducks 3 Stars 2 – Ducks Lead 2-0
Upcoming Schedule
4/21 Ducks vs Stars 8:30pm
4/23 Ducks vs Stars 7pm
4/25 Stars vs Ducks 9:30pm *If Necessary
4/27 Ducks vs Stars TBD *If Necessary
4/29 Stars vs Ducks TBD *If Necessary