Final
Dallas Stars 0 – Minnesota Wild 1
Both teams came into this game off of big offensive nights and were each starting backup goaltenders so the prevailing thought was that a high scoring affair would happen. Unfortunately, Minnesota Wild-style of hockey took over and the game bogged down after the Wild took a 1-0 lead early in the first period.
There were very few things of note in this game.
The Positives:
- The biggest positive in this game (and probably only one) was the play of Cristopher Nilstorp. In his NHL debut, the youngster stopped 31 of 32 shots and was the only reason why Dallas was even close in this game. The one goal he allowed was when the Wild had a four-on-three power play and Stephane Robidas had a broken stick. The WIld cycled the puck around on what was basically a four-on-two and Zach Parise was able to zing it past Nilstorp. Nilstorp looks like a solid keeper though.
- Derek Roy was solid again on face-offs, winning 17 of 25. He was the only player on the team to take double digit face-offs and he didn't disappoint. The team lost the overall face-off total but he was great. It looks like he'll be taking all of the important one from here on out.
- The fourth line for Dallas was good again. They provided an energy that was lacking from the team and really hounded the Wild in the offensive zone.
- Not really a positive for Dallas but good for Josh Harding getting the win tonight. It's his first game since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and it's just nice to see him able to play.
The Meh
- The Stars are 2-for-2 on the puck to face per game ratio at the moment. Reilly Smith took a puck in the choppers last night and Brenden Morrow took one right off his nose in this game off of a Robidas' pass. It's best that the team doesn't keep this up though. Healthy bodies are quite important.
The Bad
- The defense was once again very shaky. I counted at least three time where a Wild forward was left wide open in the slot with no defender even close. The team was very lucky that Nilstorp was able to make the saves to keep the team hanging in there. Robidas was especially bad tonight with his positioning. Over-pursuit is a problem with this team.
- Tom Wandell is destroying the value of Ray Whitney and Michael Ryder. Ryder was held to one shot (not on net) the entire game and Whitney was only able to make a difference when the team had a power play. It's surprising that Codie Eakin hasn't gotten a chance to at least try with the second line. Jamie Benn can't sign soon enough.
Scoring Summary
1st Period:
8:11 – Zach Parise (1) Dal 0 – Min 1
Assists: Pierre-Marc Bouchard (1), Dany Heatley (1)
2nd Period: Nothing
3rd Period: Zilch, nada
Game Stats:
| Dallas Stars | Minnesota Wild | |
| Shots | 24 | 32 |
| PIM | 8 | 10 |
| Power Play | 0 of 4 | 0 of 3 |
| Penalty Kill | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 |
| Hits | 20 | 25 |
| Face-off wins | 24 | 26 |
| Blocked shots | 11 | 26 |
