In Glendale, four different skaters scored for the Dallas Stars in the third period to erase a two-goal deficit to the Arizona Coyotes, and grab a 4-2 win ahead of the Winter Classic.
Anton Khudobin made 33 saves and held the Coyotes off after the first period.
Conor Garland and Taylor Hall scored in the first period to get the Coyotes a 2-0 lead.
“We had a great first period, and I thought we had a good second as well. It’s just that they brought it in the third and we couldn’t hang on,” the Coyotes’ Brad Richardson said.
Jamie Benn, Roope Hintz and Alexander Radulov scored in the third period to grab a 3-2 lead.
“The second and third period is how we want to play the game, the first period wasn’t,” Stars head coach Rick Bowness said. “It’s that simple. [The players] picked up their emotion, they picked up their passion, and that carried the play. The biggest thing out of the game is we responded and played to our expectations.”
Mattias Janmark added an empty-net goal late to seal the win.
“We’ve got two days to get ready for it and kind of take it in and enjoy it,” Benn said. “But at the same time, it’ll be big points on the line against a division rival.”
[WATCH: All Stars vs. Coyotes highlights]
Antti Raanta made 21 saves in the loss.
“We couldn’t find a way to lock it down,” Richardson said. “I think you kind of see as the second half (of the season) kicks in, the intensity ratchets up with big games and that playoff feel, and that’s just how it is in this League. You’ve got to be ready for it.”
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