It was a slow night in the NHL as their was only one game, the Dallas Stars were taking on divisional rival Anaheim for the first of five games this season. Dallas is coming off a three game road trip where they went 2-1-0. Anaheim is off to a hot start this season starting off at 7-1-1. This game is the return for Sheldon Souray to the American Airline Center and the first time the Stars got to see new goalie sensation Viktor Fasth. A big offensive push in the first period for the Stars and penalty problems for the Ducks paved the road for a Stars victory tonight.

First Period

The Stars opened the game on fire offensively, the Ducks looked were playing at a slow pace and starting goaltender Jonas Hiller was bombarded early with Stars shots. Hiller looked to be fighting the puck a lot, as the period progressed it was quite obvious that Hiller was playing through some sort of injury. The first period became real chippy as both teams were hitting hard and many scrums were developing. Anaheim was often the aggressor in the scrums and got extra minors from them. The Stars first powerplay came as a result of this over aggression. Brad Staubitz was called for roughing and the Stars made him pay as Trevor Daley fired a slapshot from the point giving the Stars a 1-0 lead on Daley’s first goal of the season.  The physical play never stopped, even producing a fight between Stephane Robidas and Corey Perry. Shortly after the fight the Stars were on the powerplay again as Brad Staubitz gave Brenden Dillon a low blow with a spearing penalty, earning a five minute major and game misconduct. The Stars scored once on the major penalty as Jamie Benn continued his hot play scoring his fourth goal of the season. The first period ended with the Stars ahead of the Ducks 2-0.

Second Period

Goalie change to start the period as Viktor Fasth took over for Jonas Hiller who left the game with a lower body injury. Second periods continue to plague the Stars, as they started the period off on the penalty kill and took two additional minors throughout the period. The Stars were pinned into their zone for long stretches of time throughout and eventually it cost them as Nick Bonino tipped a slapshot from Luca Sbisa and put Anaheim on the board. Anaheim outshot the Stars 13-5 and the second period ended with the Stars still in control 2-1.

Third Period

The Stars defense put on a great show in the third period as Anaheim was desperately trying to tie the game, but the Stars only allowed one shot on goal in the third.  The Stars were able to push their lead back to two goals at the 12:46 mark as Loui Eriksson fired a wrist shot from the right faceoff circle past Viktor Fasth for his fourth goal of the year and 15th career goal against the Anaheim Ducks. Dallas’ defense was lights out and the Stars push their winning streak to three games defeating the Anaheim Ducks 3-1.

Game Extras

• Finally the curse is broken. The Stars finally outshot an opponet for the first time this season. Shots: Dallas 28-Anaheim 21
• Jamie Oleksiak looks like he is improving every game. He played 14:05 tonight and was out there for key defensive situations in the third period for the Stars.
• Alex Goligoski made his return to the lineup an effective one as he had two assists and played tremendous defense in 21:05 of ice time.
• Trevor Daley by far had his best game this season as he used his skating ability to generate offense but to get back and prevent Anaheim offensive chances.
• Odd stat of the night: Antoine Roussel ended the game a -1 and Michael Ryder was a +1 every other Star was even
• Brenden Morrow has continued to pick up points since being paired with Jamie Benn and Jaromir Jagr. Morrow picked up his fourth point (1g, 3a) since being moved up.
• Tonight’s announced attendance: 18,112
• Official Three Stars of the game chosen by Dan McDowell of KTCK Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket: 1. Trevor Daley 2. Kari Lehtonen 3. Jamie Benn
• The Stars begin a three game western Canada road trip Tuesday against the Edmonton Oilers. Puck drops at 8:30.