San Jose Sharks 6, Dallas Stars 3
The Dallas Stars lost only their second game in regulation over their past 10 games (6-2-2 record in that span) to the San Jose Sharks 6-3. It was San Jose’s first win in regulation against the Stars since March 25, 2010 (3-0 W) and their first regulation win in Dallas since Dec. 21, 2009 (4-2 W). The Stars have a 7-3-1 record against the Sharks over the past 11 games.
Jamie Benn scored his 20th goal tonight – the Stars are one of only seven teams in the NHL that have at least four 20-goal scorers (Richards, Eriksson, Morrow, Benn). Toronto, San Jose, NY Islanders, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Chicago are the others. Benn extended his point streak to eight games with his goal and two assists tonight (7 goals, 4 assists total during eight-game streak). Benn is currently owns the longest point streak in the NHL. One of his assists tonight came as a shorthanded tally. Benn is now in a five-way tie for the league lead in shorthanded points this season.
Dallas continued their success on the powerplay against the Sharks to 33.3%. The Stars have converted on five of 15 opportunities in the season series against San Jose.
Toby Petersen scored Dallas’ 10th shorthanded goal of the season. The Stars have the most shorthanded goals of any team in the Western Conference with the next closest team being the St. Louis Blues who have seven shorties this season. It is his first goal since Oct. 18 vs. Tampa Bay and his second overall this season. Both of his goals in 2010-11 have been shorthanded.
Mike Ribeiro has points in 10 of his last 13 games (6 goals, 7 assists) with his goal tonight. Thirteen of his 16 goals this season have come when the team is either trailing by one goal or tied. Ribeiro has four goals in the season series against the Sharks.
Jamie Langenbrunner is currently on a three-game point streak with his assist against the Sharks (1 goal, 3 assists). It is his first three-game point streak of the season.
Steve Ott has assists in four of the last eight games (4 assists).
Dallas will host Chicago on Thursday night at American Airlines Center.
