Dallas Vs. Chicago: Stars Rally To Take Two Crucial Points

After dropping four straight contests, the Dallas Stars were able to overcome an early hole to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 in the shootout.

Chicago's Patrick Kane, Brent Seabrook and Patrick Sharp each scored in the first 13 minutes of the first period to give the Blackhawks a 3-0 lead that they kept for the rest of the period.

The Blackhawks almost made it 4-0 when Seabrook released a shot that Dallas goaltender, Kari Lehtonen, caught on the goal line. The play was reviewed and no goal was awarded.

The Stars showed signs of life near the end of the second period when Stephane Robidas scored on former Dallas goaltender, Marty Turco. 

Brad Richards followed with a power-play goal with five seconds remaining, giving the Stars all the momentum as they went in to the third down 3-2.

Dallas also stepped up their physical game in the second period, highlighted by Stars' defenseman Mark Fistric's bone-rattling hip check on Fernando Pisani. 

Pisani left the game with a head injury after he clipped his head on the boards in front of the Dallas bench. Fistric was penalized with roughing and interference minors.

Just 47 seconds into the third frame, Dallas captain Brenden Morrow tied the game when the puck deflected off his stick and past a sprawling Turco.

After a brief review of whether the puck was played with a high stick, the goal was confirmed and the teams were deadlocked at three.

Neither team scored in regulation or the overtime period so the game would be decided in a shootout.

Dallas scored in all three shootout attempts with Mike Ribeiro putting the game-winning goal by Turco to give the Stars a hard-fought 4-3 victory.

The win gives the Stars 68 points and a two point lead over Anaheim and San Jose in the tight Pacific division.

Game Notes:

The game marked Turco's first appearance in Dallas since his departure during this past offseason...Along with Pisani, the Blackhawks lost forwards Victor Stalberg and Ryan Johnson in the second period...Chicago forward Marian Hossa missed the game due to the flu...The Stars victory was their first three-goal comeback since March 30, 2007 against the Detroit Red Wings when they also won 4-3 in the shootout...