"Detroit is close to the top in the league in puck possession," said Tippett. "We got schooled tonight."

The only thing that kept this game close was the Stars power play cashing in three times on Detroit's struggling penalty kill, which has now given up 12 goals  in the last five games.

At even strength this game belonged  to the Red Wings. They controlled the puck, won puck battles, forced turnovers and, as a result, controlled play for the most part.

"When you are not up to the tempo of the game that means the other team has the puck more and you end up defending more and it allows the other team to get to the front of your net. That's exactly what happened," said Stars coach Dave Tippett.

The Stars were credited with 21 giveaways to just eight for Detroit on the night. The Red Wings outshot the Stars 33-20.

"You have to be ready to skate with these guys," said Stars center Mike Modano. "You have to think quick, make good decisions and passes or otherwise you are going to be left in the dust."

And  the Stars were left in the dust at times. They were just a step behind the Red Wings most of the night.

There were positives for the Stars. Modano, who scored two goals on the night, was superb. His first goal was highlight reel material. Jussi Jokinen had one of his better games of the season.

The power play scored three times, but when Dallas had a 4:00 power play in the third period it fell flat.

Stars goalie Marty Turco didn't stand much of a chance on the Detroit goals. The Red Wings did an excellent job of getting traffic in front of him and cutting down on his visibility.

"It was part of their game plan. It wasn't any surprise to us coming," Turco said after the game. "I've got to do a better job of finding the puck... When you can't see it you've got to find a way to get it."

The Red Wings, despite the roster changes, still have a high skill level and it showed Friday night. That's two straight sold wins for the Red Wings, who were coming off a 2-1 win over San Jose on Wednesday night.

Next up for the Stars are the Los Angeles Kings, who lost 2-0 in Columbus Friday night.

• The Stars have hired former Rangers and Islanders GM Neil Smith as a consultant.
• Stars center  Mike Modano ran his goal scoring streak to four games
• Stars defenseman  Sergei Zubov has a three-game assists streak
• Nicklas Lidstrom's goal in the first period was his first of the season
• Detroit forward Henrik Zettberg's pointless streak hit seven games

Here's the rule on throwing the stick:

Rule 88   Throwing Stick

1. When any member of the defending Team, including any Manager, Coach or Trainer, throws or shoots any part of a stick or any other object at the puck or puck carrier in his defending zone, the Referee shall:
   1. Award a penalty shot if the stick or other object is thrown or shot at the puck or the puck carrier in the defending zone, preventing a reasonable shot or pass. This shot shall be taken by the player designated by the Referee as the player fouled.
   2. Assess a minor penalty for interference if the stick or other object is thrown or shot at the puck or the puck carrier in the defending zone, but does not interfere in any manner with the puck or the puck carrier.
   3. Not assess a penalty if the stick or other object is thrown or shot away from the area of play (moved out of the traffic area) and in no way interferes with the play.

   If, when the opposing goalkeeper has been removed, a member of the defending Team, including any Manager, Coach or Trainer, throws or shoots any part of a stick or any other object at the puck or puck carrier, thereby preventing the puck carrier from having a clear shot on an "open net", a goal shall be awarded to the attacking side.

   (NOTE 1) If the Officials are unable to determine the person against whom the offense was made, the offended Team, through the Captain, shall designate a player on the ice at the time the offense was committed to take the shot.

   (NOTE 2) For the purpose of this Rule, an "open net" is defined as one from which a goalkeeper has been removed for an additional attacking player.
    

2. A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player on the ice who throws his stick or any part thereof or any other object in the direction of the puck in any zone, except when such act has been penalized by the assessment of a penalty shot or the award of a goal.

   (NOTE) When the player discards the broken portion of a stick by tossing it to the side of the ice (and not over the boards) in such a way as will not interfere with play or opposing player, no penalty will be imposed for so doing.
    

3. A misconduct or game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be imposed on a player who throws his stick or any part thereof outside the playing area. If the offense is committed in protest of an Official's decision, a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to the offending player.
    
4. If a player attempts to or deliberately injures an opponent by throwing a stick or any other object at an opposing player, Coach, Manager or Trainer, he shall be assessed a match penalty under Rule 43 -- Attempt to or Deliberate Injury of Opponents.

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