Dallas Stars clinch playoff spot with 3-1 win over Vancouver Canucks
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Special teams proved to be the difference in a key matchup between the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars on Thursday.
Special teams proved to be the difference in a key matchup between the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars on Thursday.
The Stars capitalized on their power-play chances and clinched a spot in the NHL playoffs with a 3-1 win.
The Canucks struggled with the man advantage and will have to wait to secure their post-season berth.
“This is the kind of hockey it's probably going to be the rest of the way, the kind of hockey it is around the league right now,” said Canucks goalie Casey DeSmith, who had 31 saves on the night.
“Everyone's just trying to buckle down and play the right way, do the right things. I thought we did that for most of the night. Obviously special teams was the difference.”
Dallas went 2-for-5 on the power play while Vancouver was 0-for-3 with the man advantage.
A “mechanical” power play and careless penalties proved costly for the Canucks, said coach Rick Tocchet.
