Dallas Stars take top Pacific Spot with 3-1 win over Edmonton Oilers -NHL Update
Dallas just got a major boost in the Western Conference standings as the Stars overtook San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and Phoenix Coyotes for the top spot in the Pacific Division after a 3-1 win against Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday, March 28, 2012,
at the sold-out Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta.
Stars are now leading with a one point difference at 89 and stand third overall in the West, a point above trailing San Jose and Los Angeles and two above Phoenix. Their five remaining games will definitely decide where they end off their breakthrough 2011-2012
National Hockey League (NHL) regular season.
Kari Lehtonen emerged as a strong goaltender for Dallas throughout the contest as he had a near shutout, blocking 31 of 32 shots on his net.
"We're happy to take these two points and keep going," Lehtonen said. "You never know what's going to happen against the Oilers. Those guys have so much skill, and they're fun to play against."
Michael Ryder picked up two goals, boosting his season total to 35 now with the opening and final Dallas goal of the contest in the first and third period respectively.
Mike Ribeiro had three points against Edmonton as he assisted both of Ryder’s goals and added one himself during the second period, giving Ryder the supporting role of his own.
"Every point is so valuable the way things sit right now," Dallas defenseman, Sheldon Souray, said. "We have a tough road right to the end of the season, and hopefully we will be in the mix when the dust settles a week or so from now. Its cliché, but you
can only take it one game at a time.”
Dallas Stars will have to continue with the momentum as they have the next against a tough Vancouver Canucks team on the road on Friday, while Edmonton Oilers are set to host the Los Angeles Kings the same day.
Vancouver might prove to be too strong for Dallas to handle being the second place team but Stars might overcome in the final moments and should avoid an overtime extension at all costs.
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