In Dallas Thursday night, the Anaheim Ducks debuted their new head coach, Randy Carlyle, and then could not hold onto their early advantage in the game in losing, 4-2, to the Stars.
The Stars’ Adam Cracknell had a goal and assist in the third period.
“I think it’s just trying to get that momentum back (after they score),” Cracknell said. “That’s our role. (Roussel) made a good yell, I knew he was backdoor and I just whacked it over there. He’s a guy who is going to work hard for that puck.
Antti Niemi got the win on the strength of 33 saves including a busy first period when the Ducks outshot the Stars, 17-1.
“It was nice,” Niemi said. “We did a great job of keeping them outside and not really giving them too much.”
Andrew Cogliano scored both Anaheim goals.
Antoine Roussel, Stephen Johns and Lauri Korpikoski also scored for Dallas.
“It’s fun scoring. I don’t think it’ll ever get old,” Johns said. “I just saw an opening and a lot of open ice. I saw Patty Eaves had the puck and I just went to the backdoor.”
John Gibson took the loss for the Ducks facing 20 shots and making 16 saves.
Carlyle was not pleased with his club’s defensive zone coverage and lamented three goals being scored from the crease area.
“We’ve got to be better in those areas. And as I talked about defensively, how can you allow a team to score three from the top of the crease? That’s blown coverage and that’s missed coverage,” Carlyle said after the game.
Anaheim travels to Pittsburgh for a Saturday match with the Penguins.
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