Smith, Halpern Powers the Stars, Defeats the Predators 1-0
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by user UNT66
Smith, Halpern Powers the Stars, Defeats the Predators 1-0 Wednesday Night at American Airlines Center, the Dallas Stars defeated the Nashville Predators 1-0.
Stars center Jeff Halpern scored the only goal of the contest early in the 3rd period of a rebound chance, beating Predators goaltender Tomas Vokoun.
With a 1-0 lead, Mike Smith continued to hold on and made 17 saves, earning his second 2nd NHL Shutout.
Notes:
Mike Smith:
Stars Head Coach Dave Tippett rewarded Mike Smith for coming in relief Monday Night against Colorado and getting the win by giving the rookie the start on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, Smith continued his outstanding play and has made improvement in his composure, looking less frazzled at the start of the games.
Earlier in the season, Smith's nerves were evident and he seemed to put himself in tense situations.
On Wednesday, Smith looked more comfortable and confident in net, making all the saves and got lucky, as Predators center David Legwand just missed an open net on a power play, whiffing on a wrister.
Aside for that one moment, Smith commanded a presence in net that only looks to get bigger with more experience.
Plus, the better Mike Smith played, the more games he will play, particularly when Marty Turco struggles, as he has done recently.
Jeff Halpern:
Halpern scored the only goal, but had a great night on the statsheet, winning 12 of 17 faceoffs, 4 hits, 4 shots and a +1.
On a night when the Stars needed someone to make a play, Halpern stepped up a delivered.
Injury Update:
Stars captain Brenden Morrow was scratched for the first time this season, along with Jere Lehtinen and Jaroslav Modry.
