Take Two

New day, same problem. Another shootout loss, this time 5-4. ESPN’s John Buccigross ranks the Stars 11th in the Western Conference, citing they “…are in that precarious tweener stage.” (Full article here) I still haven’t raised the red flag yet. If the regular season didn’t have shootouts and just kept the overtime going, I firmly believe they would have picked up the second point. (Too bad that isn’t the case) At least we’re loosing correctly, after all two extra session losses are as good as one win. The offense is looking pretty decent. James Neal has had some crazy puck pursuit and everyone will agree it’s great to have Morrow back. But here’s a little disclaimer Dallas: Expect the season to resemble this game. Our defense couldn’t hold the lead and Turco was inconsistent. He had moments of brilliance, moments of head shaking, and moments of bad luck. I’m not ready to pull him out of the pipes, but I do want to see Auld give it a go. And the way the season is starting, expect that sooner than later.

First Period:
There were two goals in this period...and you can thank the Minnesota Twins for me not recapping them. Great extra inning game against the Tigers, resulting in them flying to New York. Best of luck. I will say this about the first frame; Krys Barch…stop fighting. I was embarrassed to be honest, seeing you get taken down, flipped around, and I don’t think really even landing a punch. Sheldon Souray now has a receipt, because he owns you.
Second Period:
James Neal…wow. Sweet puck pursuit resulting in a shorthanded goal. I think last season we had maybe two shorties and we’re on pace for 41 this year. Lets see how close we get. Stephane Robidas netted a power play goal, and Turco was undressed by Dustin Penner in tight when he went top shelf.
Third Period:
Morrow scored our second power play goal of the night but that was neutralized when Grossman was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Denis Grebeshkov’s shot deflected off him and rainbowed over Marty to tie it.
Overtime:
Back and forth, nothing real exciting.
Shootout:
One aspect of Marty’s game that I absolutely love is his poke check. I haven’t seen many goalies really incorporate it like he does in the shootout. He gave up an easy one to Ales Hemsky, who everyone thought would pull some fancy move when all he needed was a wrister. With the game on the line, the Stars leading scorer James Neal hit the post for the second straight shootout and game, thus giving the Oilers the coveted second point.

-Dallas scored two power play goals tonight. Good trend.
-Dallas gave up two power play goals tonight. Bad trend.
-Razor quote: “A bit of offshore drilling” (Talking about how the Oilers normally look within for open positions but now are looking outward)
-Razor quote: “He likes to annoy-itate” (Steve Otts playing style)
-Benn continues to look good
-I meant to mention this in the first game, but I really like the in game stats they show. Not only relating to the game but some were for the league.
-Still looking for my Stars girl of the year

Up next: Continuing the Canadian tour, next in Calgary Friday night at 8 p.m. central. I’m not a huge fan of the Flames and their rink, plus with Iginla, Jokinen, and Bouwmeester they look to be one of the elite in the Western conference. Here comes the first real loss. Stars 2 Flames 5