By Martin Iheke
The Dallas Stars shutout the Anaheim Ducks, 3-0, to get their first win of the series. The Ducks lead the best-of-seven series, 2-1. Also, this was the first playoff win of any Dallas pro sports team since the Texas Rangers won Game 5 of the 2011 MLB World Series.
First Period:
Both teams got off to a slow start with each one killing off a penalty. It would look like the game would be scoreless headed into the intermission until captain Jamie Benn would score late to put the Stars up, 1-0. The Stars finished with nine shots while the Ducks had thirteen.
Second Period:
Former Star and current Ducks defenseman Stephane Robidas left the game early in the period with a fractured right leg. A classy move by Stars fans for cheering his name as he had to be carried off the ice. Rookie forward Valeri Nichushkin would score a goal on a nice wrister to put the Stars up, 2-0. The Stars finished the period with six shots while the Ducks had seventeen.
Third Period:
About halfway through the period, Stars forward Ryan Garbutt would put one past Ducks goalie, Frederik Andersen, to put the Stars up, 3-0. Both teams had seven shots in the period.
Stars Players’ Reaction:
Jamie Benn on the importance of scoring first –
“We wanted to get off to a good start. I got a little bit of a lucky bounce there and it was fortunate enough to go in the net.”
Kari Lehtonen on his first career playoff win –
“It feels good. At the age of 30, it was about time to get that first win.”
Head Coach Lindy Ruff on Kari Lehtonen –
“Very good. He looked calm, under control and made some great saves for us.”
Quick Thoughts:
Stars goalie, Kari Lehtonen was tremendous. He had 37 saves to get his first career playoff win via shutout. This is the type of performance the Stars need if they have any hopes of coming back in this series. Also, I thought Captain Jamie Benn was great scoring the first goal (game-winner) and setting the tone, physically. The sellout crowd tonight was awesome. Game 4 is Wednesday night at the AAC where the Stars will try to even the series up at two apiece.
Series to Date:
Game 1: Ducks 4 Stars 3 – Ducks Lead 1-0
Game 2: Ducks 3 Stars 2 – Ducks Lead 2-0
Game 3: Stars 3 Ducks 0 – Ducks Lead 2-1
Upcoming Schedule
4/23 Ducks vs Stars 7:00 pm
4/25 Stars vs Ducks 9:30pm
4/27 Ducks vs Stars TBD *If Necessary
4/29 Stars vs Ducks TBD *If Necessary