With the trade deadline just four days away and the trade rumors circling the Dallas Stars and their star (pun alert!) Brad Richards, the last few games before Monday's deadline are incredibly important. As SB Nation's Defending Big D mentioned on Thursday, the games against Detroit and Nashville could turn out to be the turning point for the franchise. Wins could mean that Richards stays, but losses could mean something very different.
Stars Vs. Red Wings: Kari Lehtonen Brilliant As Dallas Wins Pivotal Game In Joe Louis Arena
We may not know the full consequence of what happens should Richards stay in Dallas at this deadline -- will he sign long-term? will he walk for nothing? -- but we do know that the Stars stepped up on Thursday night with a big, necessary 4-1 win. It keeps Dallas up to speed in the Western Conference playoff race and despite a nasty five-game losing streak, the sole win against the Wings lifted them back into playoff position.
Kari Lehtonen was absolutely fantastic in the Stars' crease, making 38 saves in the win. Mike Ribiero, Krys Barch, Loui Eriksson and Jamie Langenbrunner scored for Dallas, while Tomas Holmstrom scored the only goal for the Wings.
Elsewhere in the NHL...
Blackhawks 3, Predators 0: It was the biggest game of the year for both teams, and while Nashville had more quality scoring chances than they could handle, Chicago was either too good or the Preds were too snake-bitten. Corey Crawford made 31 saves.
Canucks 3, Blues 2: Luckily for Vancouver, St. Louis isn't on the schedule anymore. It was another tough battle between the two teams on Thursday night, but Manny Malhotra's game-winning goal a minute in to the third period gave the Canucks the win.
Kings 4, Wild 2: In their first game back at Staples Center after a long East Coast road swing, Los Angeles did what they've been doing the whole time they've been living out of suitcases -- win. Drew Doughty broke a tie early in the third period and Anze Kopitar added a shorthanded goal as the Kings passed the Wild.
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