Blackhawks 5, Stars 2
Patrick Sharp had a goal and an assist as the Chicago Blackhawks avenged a season-opening loss to Dallas, topping the Stars 5-2 Saturday night in their home opener.
Sharp, who was questionable for the start of the season after undergoing an appendectomy last month, finished off an impressive coast-to-coast effort by ripping a shot past Dallas netminder Andrew Raycroft at the 5:10 mark of the third period.
Dave Bolland scored twice - including an empty-netter - while Andrew Brunette and Jonathan Toews had the other goals for the Blackhawks, who defended their home ice one night after the Stars did the same in a 2-1 victory over Chicago.
Corey Crawford, who entered the night 1-3-0 with a 3.36 goals-against average against the Stars, stopped 19 shots to preserve the win.
Vernon Fiddler and Sheldon Souray replied for the Stars, who outhit Chicago 32-17 on the evening and 69-36 overall in the home-and-home series.
Raycroft, playing for his fourth team in as many seasons, turned aside 26 shots in defeat.