Battle To A Tie

Avalanche roster

Referees Mark Faucette and Dan O'Halloran demonstrated the league's promised crackdown on slashing and obstruction penalties by calling almost everything and creating 19 power-plays in the game.

"It's being called really tight now. There is no leniency, but that is what they told us and that is what happened," said Stars center Mike Modano.

"They told us they were going to make the calls, and they sure did," said Avalanche defensemen Aaron Miller. "We have to start emphasizing discipline and self-control. But it is tough not giving a guy a shot, but we are forced to now."

The Stars had a 2-0 lead after first period goals by Sergei Zubov and Mike Modano, who also added an assist.

Colorado dominated the second period the Stars without a shot for 18 minutes and tying the game on goals by Shjon Podein and Adam Deadmarsh.

"The referees are going to have to learn that you are not going to be able to (call) all penalties in a game. They are going to have to realize that," Deadmarsh said. "We knew it was going to happen and I think it benefits our team because we are comfortable with the power play and penalty-kill tradeoff. But it's just the first game, so it's still a learning experience."