Stars shine over Oilers

Dallas
Stars

"I was really pleased with how we stayed with the program, especially after we failed to score on our 5-on-3 in the first period," Stars coach Ken Hitchcock said. "Once again, just like Wednesday, tonight was a night where a number of new heroes stepped up. Nieuwendyk's line gave us terrific jump and Carbonneau's group once again played very well."

Lehtinen's second goal of the series at 10:20 of the third period snapped a 1-1 tie and Jamie Langenbrunnner scored the game-winner four minutes later. Edmonton's Doug Weight scored his first of the series with 3:11 remaining to make 3-2 the final score.

"We're facing an eighth-place team but they're not an eighth-place hockey team with the work ethic and the tenacity that they have," Stars right wing Brett Hull said. "When they tied it up, that's when our experience really showed. There is an awful lot of experience in this dressing room and there was no panic among the guys. That's a big help."

The Stars power-play was shooting blanks again, going 0-for-6 in the game. Dallas played a whopping 11:15 of the first period on the man advantage.

"We were able to get a few quality opportunities but overall, our power play is struggling and we're starting to get a little discouraged by it," Mike Modano said. "The good thing is we are able to find goal-scoring elsewhere."

Mike Grier scored the other goal for the Oilers, who have been outshot 65-32 in the first two games of the series.

"It was an absolute battle out there. Both teams went at it hard, but once again we did not create enough scoring chances," Oilers coach Ron Low said. "But I think that's a tribute to Dallas. Losing two one-goal games is tough for the players. There was more flow tonight than there was in Game One and it was also a very physical game."

Tommy Salo played a good game again stopping 31 shots and the loss cannot be blamed on him.

"We had to kill so many penalties in the first period. We did an outstanding job of killing them but that takes an awful lot out of your hockey club," Doug Weight said. "Hopefully, that's something we will learn from."