They struggled at times. They were outplayed at times by an injury-depleted and tired Minnesota team that had played the night before. But they escaped with two points and ended their three-game losing streak.

"It's good to see us get rewarded for some bounces, but we've got lots of work to do," Stars coach Dave Tippett said after the game. "We've still got to get some people to raise their level with the injuries we have."

The injury woes got a little worse Saturday. Defenseman Darryl Sydor missed the third period with an upper body injury. He tweaked his arm, according to Tippett, and was held out for precautionary reasons.

But the Stars did get players who did raise their level. Goalie Marty Turco came up with some big saves at key times for the Stars. He had big stops that kept the Stars within one goal in the third period (although one of them may have been a goal) and he came up big in overtime when Minnesota was on a power play.

"He made some key saves to allow us to hang on in the game," said Tippett. "You need your goaltender to be your best penalty killer and he was."

The Stars' entire penalty kill came up big on this night, snuffing out all seven Minnesota power play opportunities.

A key penalty killer was Niklas Hagman, who also forced a big turnover late in the third period that led to Jussi Jokinen's goal that tied the game at 3-3 with 4:17 left. Hagman pressured ex-Star Martin Skoula into coughing up the puck in the corner of the Minnesota zone and then found Jokinen skating down the middle of the ice. Jokinen scored off a wrist shot from the slot for his third goal in the last four games.

Mike Ribeiro and Loui Eriksson came up big on the power play. Ribeiro made a nice pass from behind the net to set up Eriksson, who finished from the top of the crease. It was Ribeiro's third assist in the last two games.

Philippe Boucher scored another goal and had a big game at the other end, blocking eight shots on the night.

The Stars shootout aces - Jokinen and Zubov - were sharp as always. So was Ribeiro, who probably had the best of the night on his goal that clinched the win for the Stars. Turco did his part as well.

When all was said and done, the Stars had two points. They struggled at times. They were outplayed by an injury-depleted

They may have caught a break when there was no review of a third period play on which Mark Parrish may have scored a power play goal for Minnesota. Turco made a pad stop on the play, but the replays seemed to indicate the puck crossed the goal line. If that goal had counted it would have put Minnesota 4-2. But there was no review.

The bottom line is it snapped a three-game losing streak at least has the team on a winning note as it gets ready to take on the San Jose Sharks Monday night at the American Airlines Center. The Sharks, who rallied to beat Detroit Saturday, have won five straight and seven of their last eight games.

Grossman was paired with Jon Klemm to start the game. He ended up playing 14:30, was a minus-one, had two blocked shots, one takeaway and one shot on goal. He also had two minor penalties.

Polak started on line with Eric Lindros and Stu Barnes. He also saw some power play time with Mike Modano and Jere Lehtinen. He played 7:12, was a minus-one, had two shots on goal and one hit.

• Although no official announcement was made, Stars forward Brenden Morrow was not among the active roster players listed scratched from the game. That could mean he was put on injured reserve. He is doubtful for Monday's game against San Jose.
   
• Jussi Jokinen has three goals in the last two games.
   
• Jokinen improved to 2-2 in shootouts this season and 12-15 for his career.
   
• Mike Ribeiro has three assists in the last two games.

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