The Dallas Stars extended their franchise-record winning streak to nine games with a 6-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Monday night.
Lian Bichsel scored twice to lead the offensive explosion for Dallas (37-14-9). The Stars got contributions throughout their lineup in the dominant road win.
Colin Blackwell, Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene each recorded a goal and an assist. Adam Erne added another goal while Miro Heiskanen and Sam Steel contributed two assists apiece.
Jake Oettinger made 13 saves for Dallas, facing minimal pressure from Vancouver’s struggling offense.
The Canucks took an early lead when Jake DeBrusk drove into the offensive zone and put a shot off Oettinger’s right pad. Evander Kane deflected the rebound from the side of the net for his 11th goal of the season at 7:57 of the first period.
That would be Vancouver’s only highlight of the night.
Dallas responded with authority in the second period, outworking the Canucks and limiting them to just four shots on goal. The Stars took control 8:31 into the frame when Ilya Lyubushkin sliced a pass to Bichsel in the slot.
Bichsel blasted a wrist shot up and over Nikita Tolopilo’s shoulder to make it 2-1 and give Dallas the lead for good.
Heiskanen extended his point streak to six games with his assist on the play. The defenseman has recorded nine assists during the stretch, anchoring Dallas’s offensive surge.
The Canucks’ special teams woes continued as they failed to capitalize on their power-play opportunities. Vancouver hasn’t scored a power-play goal since Jan. 27, going 0-for-13 in their last seven games.
Tolopilo stopped 31 of 37 shots in Vancouver’s net as the Canucks lost their sixth straight game (0-4-2). The goaltender faced constant pressure as Dallas controlled play for most of the night.
The victory keeps Dallas rolling as one of the NHL’s hottest teams. Their nine-game winning streak represents the longest in franchise history.
What’s Next
The Stars continue their road trip Tuesday night at the Calgary Flames. Vancouver hosts the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday as they look to end their losing streak.
