Radim Vrbata netted the eventual game-winner
early in the third period, as the Phoenix Coyotes edged the Dallas Stars, 3-2,
at Jobing.com Arena.
Robert Lang had a goal and an assist for the Coyotes, who snapped a two-game
skid. David Schlemko also scored for Phoenix, which got 26 saves from Ilya
Bryzgalov.
"I thought there was a couple of calls that were questionable but I like the
way our guys dug in and we battled through it," said Phoenix head coach Dave
Tippett. "That's a good hockey team over there...They've got some high-end
forwards that can make things tough on you. I thought our guys battled right
to the end, goaltender included."
Mike Modano tallied a goal and an assist for the Stars, who have alternated
wins and losses in their last five games. Matt Niskanen also lit the lamp for
Dallas, which got 28 saves from Marty Turco.
"We gave them too much room," said Dallas defenseman Stephane Robidas. "They
skate and they can make plays, and they pass the puck real well."
After a scoreless first period, Lang scored just 12 seconds into the second,
putting home a rebound off a Peter Mueller shot. Exactly six minutes later,
Modano scored to even the score.
Shane Doan had a chance to put the Coyotes back in front with a penalty shot
at the 9:51 mark, but he was unsuccessful. Schlemko's score with 25 seconds
left put Phoenix ahead 2-1.
Vrbata lit the lamp just 3:35 into the third to make it 3-1. Niskanen's power-
play score made it a one-goal game at the 7:02 mark.
Bryzgalov stopped 8-of-9 shots in the final frame to secure the victory for
the Coyotes.
Game Notes
This was the first of six meetings between Phoenix and the Stars this season.
The Coyotes took four of six encounters in 2008-09 and have won eight of 11
overall in the series. Dallas has also lost in five of its last seven trips to
the desert...The Stars end a four-game road trip against the Red Wings on
Wednesday. The Coyotes finish a three-game homestand versus Tampa Bay on
Monday.
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