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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Radek Faksa Lifts Stars to 2-1 Win Over Blues

After the game ended last night, even Blues captain David Backes had to admit it: The Stars “deserved to win this one.”

Dallas outplayed St. Louis from the start, and a late goal from Radek Faksa lifted the team to a 2-1 win and 1-0 series lead. Here’s how Mike Heika put it.

The Stars on Friday played the game nobody thought they could play.

Well, nobody but themselves.

Dallas defended with ferocity, laid out 32 hits, and still found a way to get 42 shots on goal. It was a clinic in the kind of hockey they’ve been preaching all season, and it resulted in a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Blues at American Airlines Center.

Here’s Jamie Benn talking about last night’s win.

And here’s Kari Lehtonen, who made 31 saves in the game.

And since I’m sure you’ll want to see it again, here’s Faksa’s game-winner.

You can see what everyone else thought about the game here, and there’s more on the Stars’ win at the link. [SportsDayDFW]

You know Razor had plenty to say about the win.

In the not-so-great news category, Patrick Eaves left the game last night after being hit with a puck.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Jose de Jesus Ortiz says the NHL’s playoff format means the Stars and the Blues are playing each other too early. [SportsDayDFW]

The Stars owe a lot of their Game 1 success to the continued chemistry of Antoine Roussel, Radek Faksa, and Ales Hemsky. [SportsDayDFW]

In case you didn’t notice…

Sean Shapiro has more on Faksa, who asked for an update on the Texas Stars game before answering any post-game questions. [Wrong Side of the Red Line]

Unfortunately, the Texas Stars didn’t have quite as much luck as the Dallas Stars last night. After losing to the San Diego Gulls, they’re officially out of the Calder Cup playoffs.

Elsewhere in Round 2, the Predators and the Sharks 5-2. [Fear the Fin]

You better hope none of those guys are superstitious.

Elliotte Friedman has 30 Thoughts for you, including his takes on Bruce Boudreau’s exit in Anaheim and the playoffs so far. [Sportsnet]

If you’d rather the refs “just let ’em play,” you’re in luck. Data shows that refs are letting more things slide when it comes down to the wire. [The Hockey News]

This year’s Norris Trophy finalists were announced yesterday.

Over at Sportsnet, Josh Simmons breaks down each candidate. [Sportsnet]

Catch up on the NHL’s latest three stars of comedy courtesy of Sean McIndoe’s Friday Grab Bag. [VICE]

Capitals forward Tom Wilson has been fined.

After losing to the Predators in Game 7, the Ducks fired Bruce Boudreau. [Puck Daddy]

And the speculation has already begun on where he’ll end up next.

The NHL and the NHLPA have reportedly agreed on expansion draft rules. [ESPN]

And finally, happy Saturday, everyone!

Talking Points