Stars Dream Big, Defeat the Kings 3-1
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by user UNT66
On an MLK Day afternoon game at American Airlines Center, the Dallas Stars defeated the Los Angeles Kings, 3-1. With the win, the Stars smashed a three game losing streak and earned their first regulation of 2007.
For the Stars, they took advantage of the power play, scoring the first two goals of the game on special teams.
In the first period, Stu Barnes gave the Stars an early lead sixteen minutes into the game with a power play goal.
Eight Minutes into the 2nd Period, Niklas Hagman scored with the man advantage, doubling the Stars lead at 2-0.
The Kings used the power play to their advantage as Michael Cammalleri cut the Stars lead to 1 nearly to minutes after Hagman's tally.
The contest stayed 2-1 until a rarity, an even strength goal for these teams, as Stars defenseman Trevor Daley scored his second goal of the season seven minutes into the three period and gave the Stars an insurance goal an a 3-1 lead.
After the Daley tally, the Stars held on to their 3-1 lead as Marty Turco made 20 saves and secured the win for the hosts.
Notes:
Injury List Becomes Longer:
Before Monday's Game, the Injured Reserve List For the Stars grew larger as Sergei Zubov, Matthew Barnaby and Mike Smith joined that list on Sunday.
On Monday Afternoon, Jeff Halpern suffered an injury in warmups and Philippe Boucher suffered an injury in the 1st period of the game.
If Halpern and Boucher joins the rest of their teammates on Injured Reserve, that will push the list to 8 players and nearly $17 million of payroll according to TSN.ca.
So, what does this mean to Stars Fans?
1. The Dallas Stars active roster should look more like their AHL Affiliate, the Iowa Stars.
2. Marty Turco must be sharp for every start, as the likelihood of Tobias Stephan of seeing any playing time as not a good one. Thus, the occasional bad game must be avoided, as the Stars would rather deal with a bad day from Turco then insert a netminder that is only on the roster due to an emergency call up.
Scoring Streaks:
Niklas Hagman and Eric Lindros continued point streaks on Monday afternoon.
For Lindros, he continued his assist streak with the primary assist on Barnes Tally in the 1st period, recording five assists in his last four games played.
For Hagman, he continues his goal streak, scoring a goal in each of his last three games and five goals in his last seven games.
Also, Hagman recorded his 10th goal of the season with his 2nd period Power Play Goal, tying a career high for goals in a season. For Hagman, the current Injury Bug has provided an opportunity to become one of the clubs leader as they have struggled from December on.....
Love for FukuFuji:
If you would have heard "Turning Japanese" when the Kings took the Ice on Monday Afternoon, it would have been appropriate.
Kings backup goaltender Yutaka FukuFuji made an appearance as a backup for the third period of their loss on Saturday at St. Louis, making FukuFuji the First player of Japanese descent to play in the NHL.
For FukuFuji, the chance to play in the NHL must have been a dream, but it has been a nightmare for the Kings, as both Mathieu Garon and Dan Cloutier are on Injured Reserve.
Stars own Kings:
This Season, the Stars have won all six games played against the Kings. Winning against the LA Club is a sharp contrast when the Stars only took two games in the 8 game series.
Yet, these two teams look to become the teams that look beatable in the Pacific Division, as both squad are dealing with Injury Bugs. With Phoenix playing well of late, the Stars only sure thing in terms of winning any games in the Division is playing the Kings.....
MLK Idea:
I have a dream, that the NHL would allow the Kings to play an MLK game at Staples Center every season. If the League wanted to showcase on a day that is meant for the civil rights leader, I would think L.A. would be appropriate.......
Yet, the Kings themselves would have to start that tradition as ask for that date..... Just a thought...
JG
