WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Through the first 76 games of the season, the Stars had written this script before. The one with the dangerous scoring chances repelled by the opposing goalie. The strong defense not matched by the offense.
In the Stars' 5-2 win over Winnipeg on Monday night, the first period looked too familiar. The Stars were playing great hockey, rushing to breakaways and finding the slot and forcing a miracle save for Winnipeg to remain even. But the game remained goalless.
Monday night's second period provided the release Dallas has been looking for. The Stars scored three times in the middle period, breaking a tight divisional game open and cruising to just their second win in the last six games.