Dallas Stars Ring In New Year With 4-2 Win Over Boston Bruins
by Brad Gardner on Dec 31, 2011 9:52 PM CST
in Dallas Stars Game Recaps
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PrintThe Stars dropped a 4-1 decision to, statistically speaking, the worst team in the NHL on Thursday. Columbus left the Stars with far more questions than answers, and the last team anyone wanted to see after a game like that was waiting for them in the Boston Bruins.
In the game preview we detailed the incredible mismatch on paper and enumerated the Bruins numerous statistical advantages. The game isn't played on paper, however. It's played on the ice, and it was there that the Stars played some of their best hockey of the year on the way to a 4-2 win in front of a sold out American Airlines Center.
Dallas struck first on a 5-on-3 power play when Alex Goligoski spied an open Loui Eriksson, who beat Tim Thomas. The Bruins would answer with an incredible deflection by Tyler Seguin in front, and Boston carried the play for much of the first period. That is, until Tom Wandell and Trevor Daley combined to put the Stars ahead 2-1. Michael Ryder would add the eventual game winner with another power play goal and the period ended with a seemingly improbably, but well earned 3-1 Stars lead.
The power play goals broke a four game scoreless streak for the Dallas and marked only the third time this season they've recorded multiple tallies with the man advantage.
Dallas out-shot Boston 9-6 in the second and extended their lead to 4-1 on a beautiful pass from Adam Burish that found Tom Wandell's stick in front of Tim Thomas. The Bruins would not record double digit shots in any period tonight, thanks in part to 20 blocked shots by the Stars.
Milan Lucic cut the score to 4-2 one minute into the third and the Bruins threatened with some pressure throughout, but couldn't sustain it and didn't get much rubber all the way to Kari Lehtonen.
Altogether it was some of the most composed, smart hockey Dallas has played all year long. They were physical, but surrendered only three power plays. There was one fight (a pretty awful one) between Jake Dowell and Greg Campbell, but the nastiness these teams have brought to their last three meetings was absent. The Stars kept their heads this time and their focus on the game and it paid off with a big two points.
Enjoy your New Years Eves, be safe. Be Merry. I'll have some further thoughts on this one in a little bit if the rather festive surroundings at my house are accommodating... Don't hold your breath. Enjoy a big Stars' win.
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I couldn't stand watching that minor league dallas team play against the stanley cup champions...
These Stars are pathetic! They’re miserable! They can’t do a single thing right EVAR!!!! Benn is the worst — an absolute disgrace! Just HORRIBLE! And Daley needs to be bought out, he’s WORTHLESS! Why did they win tonight?! They need to just TANK the season to compete for a better draft pick! I hate this team! They suck worse than any team has ever sucked in the history of suck!
/all comments after Thursday night.
"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil
by Tsudbury on Dec 31, 2011 9:53 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
are you sure that's not jack Edwards before this game?
by DStarsFan on Dec 31, 2011 9:57 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
If people were able to tune in to him without knowing about his blind hatred for Ott
I think stars fans would enjoy him. Yes, he’s a home, especially when it comes to hits, but he calls the rest of the game pretty fairly.
And unlike other major homers around the league (like the ducks) he’s very exciting. And he screams for opposing goals just as much as he does for Boston’s.
If we could just get him to realize he’s wrong about Ott….
"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil
Um, once again I have to disagree with you.
Being forced to watch the Boston feed, ladies and gentlemen, I give you my pick for biggest homer comment of the night:
“The Stars fans cheer as Chara misses, many of whom have never laced up skates before, as if that’s an easy shot to make.”
Jack Edwards. Always the consummate professional. There were many more but that one stuck out to me. What a jackwagon.
"I know the last couple of years have been especially hard for Stars fans. To all of you: First let me say thank you for your patience and support, and please know that the uncertainty is now over." -- Tom Gaglardi
by EagleBelf on Jan 1, 2012 2:18 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
oh he's a total homer.
but he’s at least entertaining.
"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil
by Tsudbury on Jan 1, 2012 4:10 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Ha ha ha! If you say so.
Personally I am not entertained by the overwhelming desire to punch the guy in the face. The man is a disgrace to the broadcasters booth.
"I know the last couple of years have been especially hard for Stars fans. To all of you: First let me say thank you for your patience and support, and please know that the uncertainty is now over." -- Tom Gaglardi
Well, the comment about the chara miss irked me a bit too.
I didn’t think they were cheering because chara missed. I think they were just cheering that it went out of the zone more than anything else.
"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil
Yeah, he's an idiot. That's what I just said. :)
"I know the last couple of years have been especially hard for Stars fans. To all of you: First let me say thank you for your patience and support, and please know that the uncertainty is now over." -- Tom Gaglardi
lol... but at least he has emotion when he talks...
Take the Ducks announcers for example. Not only are they super homers, but they resemble joe buck, in that they would rather be doing anything else besides calling the game.
I’d rather have an exciting homer than a boring guy that calls it fair.
Luckily, here in Big D, we have some exciting guys that call it fair. We’re very spoiled.
"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil
Seriously though, the Dallas Stars are not the greatest team ever put on the ice. Not by a long shot.
But they have the ability to compete with any team on any given night. Some nights (like thursday) they won’t do that. Some nights (like tonight) they will. That’s just they way it goes with a team rebuilding while staying competitive.
Overall, they need to work on being a more consistent team, but you have to like the potential of what this team can accomplish once they figure out how to do that.
"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil
by Tsudbury on Dec 31, 2011 9:59 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
THIS!
I was so frustrated hearing all that doom and gloom before. This team is not perfect, but they are capable of being a very good team. They’re not always going to get everything right and they’re not always going to beat teams they should, but they’re also capable of beating any one of the elite teams on any given night. San Jose was 3rd. Now they’re 10th. We’re one point behind LA now in 3rd. This is so doable not even halfway through the season.
"I know the last couple of years have been especially hard for Stars fans. To all of you: First let me say thank you for your patience and support, and please know that the uncertainty is now over." -- Tom Gaglardi
+1
That pretty much sums up everything I read on this site yesterday morning on the drive back to Austin after watching the CBJ debacle in person.
Hard to believe it was just 2 days ago.
Hopefully after this game, people will step away from the ledge and we can quit with the “Fire Gully!” “Fire Joe!” “Trade Morrow!” “Blow the team up!” “Benn is a puck hog!” comments…. at least until Tuesday.
Yes, there will be days like the CBJ game. But there will also be days like this. We aren’t the worst team in the NHL, or the best either.
Absolutely
And the people who say those things rarely ever check in to comment after a great stars win like tonight. Some people only like to chime in when things are going bad and they can be critical.
Thank you for getting to this right away.
I had to wait to watch the game today. You are the man as always. What a great game.
"I know the last couple of years have been especially hard for Stars fans. To all of you: First let me say thank you for your patience and support, and please know that the uncertainty is now over." -- Tom Gaglardi
Such a smart, well played, entertaining game.
Watching the powerplay actually have power and capitalizing TWICE was invigorating. The fact that the opponent was Boston just made it all the sweeter.
DIY: do it yourself hockey! - Razor
Great game....
Joe said in an interview after the game that Jordie Benn will most likely be called up after Larsen’s injury. That’ll be exciting if nothing else!
J. Benn for Jordie was how it worked in training camp, i believe.
"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil
Yes, it was
Texas Rangers - back-to-back American League Champions
TracyJean1972: YouTube channel
@TracyJean: Twitter account
Good for him. He's been tearing it up in the AHL!
Texas Rangers - back-to-back American League Champions
TracyJean1972: YouTube channel
@TracyJean: Twitter account
I saw the Texas Stars play last Tuesday
Jordie did look good. I was also pretty impressed with Brenden Dillon and very, very impressed with Matt Fraser.
And Sceviour scored the game winner in OT.
Speakin of Matt Fraser
Has anyone else decided to pretend we drafted him in Glennie’s spot, and Glennie in whereever Fraser was? Makes me feel much better.
I have an ongoing love affair with Tom Wandell, but it's not gay at all, trust me
Thats a good strategy!
Kind of like drafting Jamie Benn in the 5th round after taking Nico Sacchetti as our highest pick in 2007 in the 2nd round? (our 1st round pick at 21 was used by the Oilers on Riley Nash who didn’t sign and went on to play at Cornell. His rights were traded to Carolina Hurricanes in 2010 for a 46th pick)
You never know with drafts. Almost as interesting as late round gold are the 1st rounders that never make it.
Fantastic result
A very well played game.
I’m going to celebrate this one… Then it’s time to bring on the ’Wings on Tuesday!
Tim Thomas
Looks like that was only the third time this season Tim Thomas has given up 4 goals in a game. The prior two occasions being in October.
So, felt inclined to call in to the post game show after this one...
…and yeah, the name does it again, cause Bob Sturm thought I was a gal until he heard me speak. Oh well, if it got me on the air…
Anyway, had to comment on Otter playing with edge tonight; I’ll be checking youtube for Jack Edwards’ calls of some of Otter’s better plays…and had to give a plug to DBD. Was anyone else here tuned into the postgame?
Our GM,
who art in the front office,
on Conn Smythe be they name.
by ex_seraphim (Angelou del Angel) on Dec 31, 2011 10:56 PM CST reply actions
haha, i heard that! They were really bugged by that for some reason.
"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil
What exactly was said?
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by Brandon Worley on Dec 31, 2011 11:51 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Oh, after my signal started going to crap...
…then commented on the name Angel and how they thought they’d hear a female, and instead got me, whose voice they remarked sounded deeper than Bob’s.
Our GM,
who art in the front office,
on Conn Smythe be they name.
by ex_seraphim (Angelou del Angel) on Dec 31, 2011 11:57 PM CST up reply actions
You guys thought they were bugged by DBD getting mentioned?
No, they were just bugged by Angel! … like all of us here!
Yeah, sorry if I phrased that wrong....
They were surprised by Angel having a deep voice. Nothing bad about DBD — They like you guys over there!
"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil
Yeah, I asked when Bob was gonna do the Stargazing podcast next....
…he said he’d be glad to whenever invited.
Our GM,
who art in the front office,
on Conn Smythe be they name.
by ex_seraphim (Angelou del Angel) on Jan 1, 2012 9:37 PM CST up reply actions
they gave some props to the blog before you called in too...
said they read about Larsen’s injury first on DBD. Though I don’t know how they did.
"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil
As for edwards, he really didn't say anything about Ott tonight.
I really thought he was pretty good.
"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil
Maybe the interview with Sturm...
…highlighting the contrast of the balanced calling he did pre-Bruins and his homerrificness now got him to even it out some, you know? Shedding that light made him a little more conscious of it. Well done, Bob.
I’d have been on the thread tonight, but I caught the game at a bar in Denton with a buddy of mine, and decided I should head home before the bars let out and all the drunks hit the road, and called in on the way home. Indeed, they seemed a tad bugged…maybe I should call in again sometime! I guess they were expecting to hear some sultry alto or soprano and got me instead. I got a good chuckle when they mentioned my voice being deeper than Bob’s.
Our GM,
who art in the front office,
on Conn Smythe be they name.
by ex_seraphim (Angelou del Angel) on Dec 31, 2011 11:13 PM CST up reply actions
Loved STrums interview with Edwards.
Sounded like Edwards was all prepped for a bunch of negative, and they really disarmed him with the compliments on the World Cup call. Then loved how they just gave him enough rope so he could hang himself with his own words. They didn’t have to come after him at all.
Was at the game tonight, few notes-
-Bruins fans are obnoxious. My God there aren’t even words. It’s like “shut up about Lucic you guys, I get it, he’s the hulk”, so my friend and I got a little obnoxious back. We tried to keep it classy though.
-Speaking of Lucic, gotta give the guy some respect. He absolutely stole the show for the Bruins tonight. Was looking around for Seguin, but Milan really caught my attention. Absolute epitome of the term power forward.
-Daley was on fire tonight. He kind of got into Thomas’ head with that first goal, and just started shooting it at him from the red line to keep him on his toes. Was entertaining to see.
-Never really saw Larsen get hurt, guess it kind of started bothering him at intermission. I’m guessing he’ll be out for 2-3 games if thats the case.
-Finally saw what some of you were saying about Wandell stepping up. He’s sticking to his persona, and I saw him teamed with Ryder and Eriksson a few times later in the game. Glad the coaches are finally putting his speed to use.
Overall, solid effort. That 3rd really showed how much we need Robidas and Souray back though, Souray especially (that big body in front of the net is absolutely vital).
I have an ongoing love affair with Tom Wandell, but it's not gay at all, trust me
I've got to believe Larson got rattled by that Lucic hit
he was flying through the air all rag doll like on that one. Lucic steamrolled somebody else too, I think on the same shift. Maybe Goose? On those hits he reminded me a lot of Murray. A tree trunk solid human being.
Great Team effort!
Way to go Stars! Can’t figure out how they can look so good like they did tonight and totally suck like they did against CBJ… Happy New Year!
I'm going to take a pillow case full of bars of soap and beat the shit out of you.
by fakeheadguy on Jan 1, 2012 12:22 AM CST via iPhone app reply actions
Highly entertaining game.
Happy New Year DBD.
What the Puck?
by DirtyBrotenScoundrel on Jan 1, 2012 1:50 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Sleep did his thing after the game.
But it was fun to watch some Stars hockey and fun to hang with the thread.
Daley, heh, good game, yes?
Trevor Daley is my cup of tea.
A few thoughts after last night's game.
If I go to next year’s NYE game, I will NOT be staying for the Big D NYE thing afterwards. Oh, good grief, I now know about 1/2 of Dallas intimately. LOL. Not to mention after the fact, it took about an hour and a half to get onto the highway. It was fun, but it was nuts.
I much prefer sitting in the section I normally sit in to where my friends and I sat last night, probably due to the fact that the season ticket holders behind me were $#@*# know-it-alls who thought they needed to give each other a thoroughly idiotic running commentary through the entire game, complete with moronic thoughts about 2 seconds into the game about how Morrow needs to be traded because he’s “done”. I tried, I seriously tried, to ignore them. It was impossible. And it took everything in me not to turn around and correct them on about 42,000 different things. Note to self: Don’t go back to that section, or at least sit in a different row.
I had no clue that Larsen got hurt. I was too focused on how well the rest of the team was playing, I guess.
The battle between Morrow and Chara in front of the net that got Chara called for interference was PRICELESS, and such an awesome example of Morrow’s leadership and willingness to do the dirty work. Take that, know-it-alls behind me.
Pardy and Fistric are looking a lot more confident out there together, but I still don’t like having them paired. And now I guess another D from Austin will be coming up. I have no clue what will happen with the defensive pairings…
Thank goodness there shouldn’t be any broken faces after this one. I went into this game with that being my only real hope for the outcome. I didn’t expect to win it, with the tear that Boston has been on. I hoped we could keep it close. This was a much better outcome. :)
And how freaking awesome was it to see a sell-out? Second this season (not the second in more than TWO YEARS, idiot know-it-alls behind me, and yes, I did correct them on that point because I couldn’t bite my tongue any longer), and it was a great thing to behold. Not only that, but this time it wasn’t half Bruins fans like when we played the Leafs a while back. There were still several, but not what I was dreading.
by WingnutInStarsCountry on Jan 1, 2012 11:28 AM CST reply actions
It's kind of funny
that the Bruins fans feel exactly like we did when the Blue Jackets beat us.
It’s also kind of sad we are viewed in that light, but the only way out is to win games like this.
It’s also kind of funny
when you read the comments from the game recaps on Yahoo and SI, that most fans in the North expect us to be in Quebec next year, and include us in the same discussion when talking about what’s going wrong in Phoenix.
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