Western Conference Quarterfinal Game 4: Stars vs. Ducks
Facing a pivotal game that will be the difference between a tied series and a steep three-games-to-one deficit, the Dallas Stars host the Anaheim Ducks in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals on Wednesday night. Game time at the American Airlines Center is 7:00 p.m. CDT. The match will be televised locally on Fox Sports Southwest, nationally in the United States on CNBC and across Canada on TSN.
On Monday night, the Stars earned their first win of the series with a 3-0 win at the ACC. Goals by Jamie Benn, Valeri Nichushkin and Ryan Garbutt led the way as Dallas scored one goal apiece in each period. Kari Lehtonen stopped all 37 shots fired his way to earn his first career playoff win and shutout.
The Stars did an excellent penalty killing job in Game 3 and used their team speed and aggressive puck pursuit to good effect. Dallas limited the chances of the Ducks' dangerous top line. Dallas has killed off eight consecutive penalties over the last two games.
Longtime Stars defenseman Stephane Robidas, now with the Ducks, suffered a broken right leg (for the second time this season) and was lost to Anaheim for the rest of the playoffs. Additionally, the third member of the Anaheim top line, Matt Beleskey, remains out with a lower-body injury sustained in Game One. Meanwhile, Robidas' former Stars partner, Brenden Dillon, has yet to play in the series. Dillon practiced yesterday but is said to be a "longshot" to be available for Game Four.
Veteran forward Erik Cole was a surprise healthy scratch for Dallas in Game Three. Given the team's strong performance, head coach Lindy Ruff may opt to use the same lineup tonight as he did last game.