Dallas Stars Extend Home Streak with Victory Over Arizona Coyotes

The Dallas Stars continued their impressive home performance by defeating the Arizona Coyotes 5-2 in a Central Division showdown. The Stars’ victory extended their remarkable home points streak against the Coyotes to 19 games, maintaining a record of 18-0-1 at home. Their last home loss to the then-Phoenix Coyotes was in regulation on Feb. 7, 2012.

Jason Robertson, Craig Smith, and newcomer Nils Lundqvist were instrumental in securing the win for the Stars, with Jake Oettinger making 23 saves to support the team’s efforts. Dallas, along with Winnipeg and Colorado, now tops the Central Division with 93 points each, setting up a highly competitive race to the playoffs.

On the opposing side, Clayton Keller and John Leonard found the back of the net for the Coyotes, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Stars’ offensive onslaught. Connor Ingram made 28 saves but couldn’t prevent the Coyotes from falling further behind in the playoff chase, now trailing by 18 points with only 13 games left in the regular season.

In a crucial second period, Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Logan Stankoven scored pivotal goals to turn the tide in favor of the Stars. Benn, celebrating his 1,100th NHL game played all with Dallas, showcased his experience and leadership with a crucial backdoor goal. Seguin, returning to the lineup after an injury layoff, also made a significant impact with a goal and an assist, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.

The final period saw additional scoring from Robertson and Smith, sealing the victory for Dallas. Smith’s three-game goals streak was a standout performance, contributing to the team’s offensive depth and consistency. Keller’s late goal in the first period and Leonard’s effort in the third were commendable, but the Coyotes ultimately fell short against the formidable Stars.

With a 19-game home points streak against Arizona, the Stars showcased their dominance over their divisional rivals, proving to be a formidable force in the Western Conference. Notably, linesman Brad Kovachik’s injury in the second period added a somber note to the game, highlighting the physical nature of the sport.

Looking ahead, the Coyotes will face the Seattle Coyotes in a crucial matchup on Friday, hoping to turn their fortunes around in a challenging homestand. Meanwhile, the Stars will clash with the Pittsburgh Penguins, aiming to close out their homestand on a high note before the playoffs beckon.