Dallas ends the series in Boston

The stars return to the victory column with great success.

Going into today's contest, there was a lot of talk about the Dallas Stars' losing streak in Boston. And as Brad McDonnell so aptly points out here, the power play was a big reason why.

Coming into tonight's game, the Stars had scored two power play goals this season. Two. That's it. Tonight they had three. In one period. But we'll get to that.

First period

From the first play, this game had the makings of something crazy. At the beginning, neither team could control the puck or make clean passes. Both meant scoring opportunities galore.

Not even a minute and a half into the game, Dallas hit the post. Thomas Harley was open in the slot with the puck. His wrist shot beat Jeremy Swayman but ricocheted off the post and bounced away.

A few minutes later it was the Bruins' turn. A bad loss of the ball by Matt Dumba gave the Stars a chance in front of the goal. Luckily, Casey DeSmith was at his game tonight. This continued for most of the first period. Logan Stankoven had a phenomenal chance five minutes into the game, but Swayman kicked the puck aside. He also smothered Roope Hintz's rebound attempt.

At 12:49 of the first period we saw the first of the numerous penalties that would have been given in the first two periods. Four penalties were called in the first period – three against the Stars and one against Boston. However, nothing would come of it.

The first goal came when both teams each had a player in the penalty box. Dumba went four-on-four and turned the puck from behind his net. The puck went straight to Matthew Poitras. He prepared David Pastrňák's shot, which found its way into the net.

Dallas tried to respond with several shorthand chances but couldn't equalize. Wyatt Johnston and Hintz both missed scoring opportunities. Finally, with 3:30 minutes left, the stars were on the field. Matt Duchene took a pass from Thomas Harley, weaved his way through the defense and tied the score.

Score: Stars 1 – Bruins 1
Shots on goal: Stars 13 – Bruins 11

Second period

In the second period, all I heard was Oprah screaming, “You get a power play goal.” You get a power play goal. Everyone gets a power play goal.”

It started 11 seconds into the quarter. Hintz scored a penalty on a breakaway. Twenty seconds later the Stars were in the lead. Jason Robertson took a pass from Jamie Benn and fired it past Swayman towards the goal.