Stars' offense explodes in third period, Beat Flames 6-2 – Hockey Writers – Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars (17-10-0) host the Calgary Flames (13-10-5) on Sunday night, in a classic “make-up” game for both clubs. The Flames have defeated Texas in just one of their last six games, while the Stars are on a two-game losing streak. With both teams trying to hold on to their spot in the standings, you can tell by the drop of the puck that this game is important.

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In the end, a four-goal third period saw the Stars win 6-2. Stars defenseman Thomas Harley had two goals, while Jake Oettinger stopped 26 of 28 shots. Dustin Wolf stopped 25 of 31 in the loss.

Recap of the game

Sunday night's story was fast and furious from the start. Jonathan Huberdeau opened the scoring one minute into the game, giving Calgary a 1-0 lead. Wyatt Johnston quickly tied the game at 4:26, shorthanded, hitting Wolf just above the glove.

Midway through the second half, and for the first time since November 20, Jason Robertson came out of the penalty box and gave Dallas a 2-1 lead, scoring his sixth of the season. At 16:08, Connor Zary was in the right place at the right time as the puck deflected off his skate, beating Oettinger and tying the game for Calgary.

The first 40 minutes were as well balanced and back and forth as one could ask for. The last 20 is where the night is turned on its head. Calgary started the period on fire, controlling the first four minutes in dominant fashion. At 5:13, the momentum shifted as Roope Hintz scored his 11th of the season and the game winner. Sam Steel and Thomas Harley opened the game, scoring twice in 61 seconds, at 12:01 and 13:02 respectively. Harley poured salt into the wound with a minute left, netting home for his second of the night and fourth of the season.

The final score of 6-2 doesn't reflect how the Flames played, but that doesn't mean anything in the score column. The Flames are now 1-5-1 in their last seven and will look to redeem themselves Tuesday night as they travel to Nashville to face the Predators. The Stars have a few days off before hosting those same Predators in Dallas on Thursday.