The Dallas Stars kicked off the 2014 Traverse City Tournament in dramatic fashion, overcoming a two-goal deficit to beat the New York Rangers 4-3 on Friday night thanks to a three-point night from top prospect Brett Ritchie.
As expected the Stars offense put a lot of pucks on net, outshooting the Rangers 8-1 early in the game while grabbing a 1-0 lead just 3:41 into the first period thanks to a Matej Stransky goal off the rush. The Rangers would quickly bounce back, however, putting two past goaltender Phillipe Desrosiers in the first before going on to add another off the power play to take a 3-1 lead heading into the third period.
Jason Dickinson would pull the Stars within one early in the third period off an assist by Ritchie, coming just minutes after the Stars had killed off a 5-minute power play for the Rangers — 2014 draft pick Brett Pollock had been called for a major penalty for checking from behind late in the second.
Outshooting the Rangers 12-6 in the third period the Stars would eventually tie the game when Ritchie scored with 1:59 remaining in regulation. Ritchie would then score the game-winner 3:29 into overtime off a great play through the neutral zone by Jason Dickinson and Esa Lindell.
Desrosiers would allow three goals on 21 shots, with Radek Faksa, Brendan Troock and Jyrkki Jokipakka also picking up points in the game.
Faksa’s line, along with first-round pick Julius Honka, received praise from those at the game.
Faksa finding open ice tonight. Had great chance in front of net, Stars still trail 2-3. 5:02 left in third.
— Stars Communications (@StarsPR) September 13, 2014
Brett Ritchie obviously had two big goals for the Stars. Line of Elie-Faksa-Stransky was excellent. Julius Honka had a nice game as well.
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) September 13, 2014
Mark Stepneski was also able to get Stransky’s goal and Ritchie’s OT goal on video. You can check them out below.
The Stars will face Carolina on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET.