DALLAS — Fielding a lineup without five regulars, Job 1 for the Rangers on Monday was simple: Compete, compete, compete.
Having lost five of the last six games and at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division — and with the very real spectre of a Rick Nash trade hovering — the Rangers competed at American Airlines Center, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a 2-1 defeat to the Stars. It was their ninth loss in the past 12 games.
With the score tied at 1 after 40 minutes, Tony DeAngelo, who made a strong play to deny Remi Elie’s rush, was whistled seconds later for hooking.