Stars Scalp The Hawks 3-2
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by user UNT66
For the final time this regular season, the Dallas Stars hosted the Chicago Blackhawks, defeating the visitors 3-2. With the win, the Stars won their 50th victory of the season and will look to their 1st round playoff series starting Wednesday against Canucks.
In this game, after two scoreless period, Stars forward Brenden Morrow scored opening goal of the contest nearly six minutes into the frame. After the Hawks took a penalty, the Stars used the power play to gain the first lead of the game.
After Chicago scored two straight, Dallas rallied scoring twice. Defenseman Sergei Zubov scored the game tying goal 13:36 into the period and Mike Modano scored his 7th game winning goal of the season nearly three minutes to the end of the period.
Once the Stars regained the lead, Marty Turco held on, making 22 saves and helping the home team win their final game of the season.
Notes:
Morrow's Still Hot:
Stars captain Brenden Morrow scored his 300 NHL point with the opening goal of the game, giving the forward 11 points in his last 11 games (6-5-11).
If the fans are looking for a player to step up for the Stars during the first round series against the Canucks, it's Morrow.
Vancouver vs. Dallas:
The Stars and Canucks will face off in the 1st round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a season series that Dallas won 2-1-1 and each game was decided in 2-1 fashion.
First game of the series in Wednesday and I will have more on this series before the opening faceoff on Wednesday at GM Place.
Saturday Games Made Sunday Meaningless for Dallas:
Thanks to Anaheim defeating Columbus, giving the Ducks their first Pacific Division title and San Jose defeating Vancouver, insuring that the Sharks would earn the 5th seed in the Western Conference Playoffs, the Stars couldn't elevate past their 6th seed status in the conference.
Thus, the motivation to gain ground on their foes was gone. Plus, combine the fact that the game started at noon and the opponent was Chicago and it was no surprise that the contest needed nearly 46 minutes before a goal was scored.
JG
