Dodging a bullet

That was a heck of a game. You couldn’t ask for much more. There was a lot of scoring, it was physical, there were a few fights and there was controversy. It doesn’t get any better than that. I am not going to worry about style points right now and that includes blowing the two-goal lead. Two points are two points. They still have some issues and they got thrown a curve on this night because they were down a defenseman when Trevor Daley went out. It’s a lower body thing and there was no update on this status.

Anyway, being down a defenseman hurt and that helped Columbus climb back in the game late in the second and in the third period.

I thought the Stars got a break on the review of the Manny Malhotra goal in overtime. It was a close one that could have gone either way. I don’t really worry about what was called in the past or any of that stuff. I just look at the play that just happened and try to decide for myself if that should be a goal or not. I thought he kicked it in. Someone else could look at it, like Ken Hitchcock, and say it wasn’t kicked in and I wouldn’t roll my eyes and say you have to be kidding. It was a tough call. But a call had to be made and it went the Stars’ way. They haven’t got many breaks this year and needed this one.

Another big night for Loui Eriksson, who just continues to pile up the goals. The power play finally delivered. Marty Turco gives up five goals on the night but he came up with some big saves in overtime and then gets the job done in the shootout to get the win. W’s are the bottom line.

Anyway, the bottom line is they have their second two-game winning streak of the season. They’ve won three of four and six of nine. They are in games on a regular basis and are finding ways to win them, especially these games that go to overtime and the shootout. Those are important points. They are still in 14th place, but they are just three points out of eighth and four points out of seventh. They are right in the thick of things and that’s probably how it is going to go here for a while now.

These next two games on the road are big even though they aren’t against conference foes. These are games where they can build on the recent success.

Here are the postgame quotes provided by Stars PR: 

Loui Eriksson: “It was my first hat trick and it was awesome, a great feeling. It was a good way to win too, picking up the win late. We have to work hard to get the points right now. We found a way to win. It felt good. I was glad Lundqvist was back. He gave me a great pass. All my goals had great passes. I’m getting a lot of good passes. I’m trying to be more in front, and the puck is going in right now. It’s fun right now. I think confidence is a big thing, I’m getting a lot of ice time and it’s always fun to be on the ice and help the team win.”

Steve Ott: “The battling and the hitting is something I have to do to stay in the league, nothing’s going to change because I have a broken hand. It was an awkward game out there you’re up some you’re down some, all of a sudden you think you’ve lost the game, then you win in the shootout.”

(on Eriksson) - “His overall play is so impressive, his defensive play, the fore-checking. Scoring the goals is just a huge bonus for him. The group is starting to tighten up, to see the guys getting closer is definitely a great feeling.”

Brad Richards: (on Loui) “He’s really played well this year. I love playing with him. He’s smart and it’s fun to play with a young guy who’s enthusiastic. That’s the most success I’ve had on a line with those two guys (Eriksson and Lundqvist). Tonight it was nice to get rewarded and help the team out. The last two weeks have been hard. Our D were pretty tired out there, we didn’t give them a lot of time in our zone to give them a break. We got a lucky break in overtime, but we found a way to win. We’ve had a lot of guys step up and fill in roles the past few weeks, but those guys have been here and played Dallas Stars hockey. They’ve got a lot of extra jump.”

Dave Tippett: “We said it last game and I’ll say it again - It’s not pretty but we’ll take it. The ice was tilted against us in the 3rd but the guys hung in there and found a way to get the win. Loui had some timely goals, opportune times that gave us life. He’s been outstanding the last couple games. We had Loui penciled in for 20-plus (goals); we knew he had the potential and he’s doing a heck of a job. He is a smart player with relentless work ethic and he’s a guy you can count on to do the job, no matter what. Lundy and Ott brought a lot of energy and we hope to get one more back in on Saturday. Richards has been around it the last few games, and he’s an opportunistic guy.”

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