Dallas Stars Pull Out Gritty Win in Opener Over Favorite New Jersey Devils

Going into Friday night's game, the Dalls Stars looked to be a team that was overwhelmed. The Devils, featuring a future Hall of Fame goalie in Martin Broduer and a $100 million wing in Ilya Kovalchuck, seemed to be the odds on favorite to win the opener. However, due to a lot of solid play from their offense and goaltending, the Stars were able to sneak out with a 4-3 win over the Devils.

The Devils got off to the fast start as goals by Zack Parise and Travis Zajac gave them an early 2-0 lead. However, the Stars quickly responded as Brendan Morrow put in a nice feed from Mike Ribeiro to cut the lead down to 2-1.

The momentum continued into the second period as a lot of pressure ended up in a rebound opportunity for Loui Erikkson, who put in his first of the season to tie the game up at 2. The Devils scored once again, this time on a power play, as Jason Arnott beat Kari Lehtonen to give the Devils the lead again at 3-2. Yet again, though, the Stars responded with a Brad Richards goal to tie the game back up.

As play continued into the third period, the Devils seemed to have the advantage, pushing at every opportunity, but Lehtonen atoned for some of the bad goals he had allowed earlier by shutting down the Devils' attack. Then, in overtime, the Stars caught the Devils on a break-out and Loui Erikkson beat Broduer high to give the Stars a 4-3 victory.

While this victory by no means guarantees anything, it sure is a nice way to start the season. A few more games like this, and we may start to think of the Stars as having a shot at the playoffs.

Good things: The forwards were spectacular. James Neal and Loui Erikkson in particular were amazing. It also looks like the Stars have finally adapted to Coach Marc Crawford's system.

Bad things: Defense was leaky at times. Occasionally, Matt Niskanen looked shaky holding the puck in his zone, and Kari Lehtonen also had some weak moments.