Game Recap

DALLAS 3, VANCOUVER 1 VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - With Ted Donato and a strong defense, the Dallas Stars didn't need the scoring punch of Brett Hull and Mike Modano. Donato scored twice and added an assist as the Stars extended their unbeaten streak to eight games (6-0-2) with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night. "I think it's important that everybody feels we can contribute to keep this thing moving forward," said Donato, who opened the scoring 15:10 into the first period on a slap shot that beat Vancouver goalie Bob Essensa. Donato then set up Jamie Langenbrunner's goal 2:54 into the second period with a quick pass from behind the net before tucking home a rebound on the power play for his second goal midway through the period. "We were able to control the puck down low and beat them to pucks," said Donato. Ed Jovanovski responded with a power play goal 1:09 into the second period for the Canucks, who only have one win in their last 12 games. "I don t think they've allowed more than a goal in this unbeaten streak they've got going so you've got to give them credit for the defense they played and the goaltending they got," said Jovanovski. Vancouver played without three of its top six offensive players and struggled to generate any quality scoring chances playing 5-on-5. In addition to Markus Naslund (broken leg) and Andrew Cassels (sprained ankle), the Canucks played without rookie Daniel Sedin, who missed a second straight game with a sore back. The trio has combined for 73 goals and 165 points this season. Vancouver's missing offense was highlighted by the stingy Stars, who broke a modern-day record by keeping the opposition to one goal or less in eight straight games. The record of 10 straight games was set by the Montreal Canadiens in 1927-28, but that was 16 years before the red line was introduced. "The record is one thing but we've dug our way back in with our work and our defensive play and our timely offence", said Stars' coach Ken Hitchcock. "The thing I'm happiest about is the way every game we're getting new people stepping up offensively." Ed Belfour, who gave up nine goals in two earlier losses to Vancouver, finished with 28 saves to remain undefeated in five straight starts. Essensa stopped 26-of-29 shots, including a pair of Joe Nieuwendyk breakaways, but remained winless in his last six starts. Dallas Stars 3, VANCOUVER CANUCKS 1 1ST 2ND 3RD FINAL --- --- --- ----- Dallas 1 2 0 3 Vancouver 0 1 0 1 FIRST PERIOD - SCORING: 1, Dallas, Donato 7 (Van Allen, Langenbrunner), 15:10. PENALTIES: H.Sedin, Van (holding), 3:08; H.Sedin, Van (high sticking), 9:49; Helenius, Dal (boarding), 16:54; Marshall, Dal (roughing), 19:11; Cook, Van (elbowing), 19:11; Sydor, Dal (tripping), 19:52. SECOND PERIOD - SCORING: 2, Vancouver, Jovanovski 11 (Schaefer), 1:09 (pp). 3, Dallas, Langenbrunner 11 (Donato), 2:54. 4, Dallas, Donato 8 (Hull, Zubov), 11:16 (pp). PENALTIES: Morrison, Van (goalie interference), 9:45; Muller, Dal (tripping), 17:22. THIRD PERIOD - SCORING: None. PENALTIES: Berehowski, Van (holding), 13:07; Stapleton, Van (slashing), 13:42; Berehowski, Van, major (fighting), 18:07; Morrow, Dal, major (fighting), 18:07. SHOTS ON GOAL 1ST 2ND 3RD TOTAL --- --- --- ----- Dallas 9 11 9 29 Vancouver 10 10 8 28 POWER PLAY: Dallas 1 of 6; Vancouver 1 of 4. GOALIES: Dallas, Belfour 32-20-7 (28 shots-27 saves). Vancouver, Essensa 17-11-3 (29-26). Referees: Bernard DeGrace, Brad Watson. Linesmen: Lonnie Cameron, Vaughan Rody. A: 18,422 (18,422).