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Oilers try to build on 1,000th win, host Stars

Jan 4, 2007 - 3:52 PM Dallas (25-15-1) at Edmonton (19-18-2) 9:00 pm EST

EDMONTON, Alberta (Ticker) -- It took a little longer than expected for the Edmonton Oilers to record the 1,000th victory in franchise history. They hope win No. 1,001 comes in quick fashion.

The Oilers attempt to win for just the third time in 11 contests Thursday when they host the Dallas Stars, who have won four straight here.

Edmonton became the third-fastest franchise to reach 1,000 wins when it snapped a three-game skid with Tuesday's 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers.

Ryan Smyth scored his 20th goal of the season, Fernando Pisani and Raffi Torres each netted their eighth and Jarret Stoll collected two assists for the Oilers, who needed 2,114 games for their 1,000th triumph. Only Philadelphia and Montreal accomplished the feat in fewer contests.

One of five teams in the Western Conference with 25 victories this season, Dallas has dropped three of its last five contests and is third in the Pacific Division, 11 points behind the Anaheim Ducks.

Loui Eriksson scored his fourth goal in the second period and Jussi Jokinen tallied in the shootout for the Stars in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks.

Dallas has won two of the three meetings against Edmonton this season, including a 3-2 triumph on December 23.