Stars at Hurricanes
THE STORY: The Dallas Stars have built their strong start on stout defensive play and opportunistic scoring. On Friday night, they changed course a bit, proving they can win an up-tempo contest as well. Kari Lehtonen has been the backbone of the Stars’ breakout, allowing more than two goals in a game just once before Friday, when he was torched for six against the Colorado Avalanche. But Lehtonen’s teammates picked up the goalie in a 7-6 victory. Dallas had previously reached the four-goal mark only once. The Stars’ new-found firepower will go nicely with the Carolina Hurricanes’ recent defensive deficiencies. The Hurricanes are yielding an average of 3.2 goals, and have dropped five of their last seven games while surrendering at least five goals three times in that span. Carolina will be looking to tighten things up when it hosts Dallas on Sunday afternoon.
TV: 1:30 p.m. ET, NHLCA (Carolina), FSSW (Dallas)
ABOUT THE STARS (9-3-0): Dallas scored three times on the power play Friday, marking the first time this season that it had tallied more than once in a game with the man advantage. Loui Eriksson, who finished with two goals and an assist, was the star, bringing his total to eight goals. Jamie Benn totaled four points – one goal – in the contest and has recorded a point in four straight.
ABOUT THE HURRICANES (5-5-3): Carolina has suffered 5-1 losses in two of its last three games, showing that right now it is no match for Eastern Conference challengers like Philadelphia and Washington. Goaltender Cam Ward had his two-start winning streak come to an end Friday. The Hurricanes are just 2-for-27 on the power play over their last seven games.
OVERTIME:
1. Stars center Steve Ott will miss Sunday’s game due to a hip-pointer injury.
2. Lehtonen is 5-11-1 with a 3.47 GAA in 17 career starts against Carolina.
3. Dallas took both meetings last season, including a 4-1 victory at the RBC Center.