Sharks 4 - 1 Stars
Final
  for this game

Sharks defeat struggling Stars

Nov 20, 2011 - 6:47 AM Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - Antti Niemi had 30 saves while Brent Burns and Logan Couture scored power play goals early in the first two periods, leading the San Jose Sharks to a 4-1 win over the scuffling Dallas Stars on Saturday night.

The Stars have lost five games in a row by a combined score of 21-4, but at least they weren't shut out. Mike Ribeiro scored 6:22 into the third period for Dallas' first goal in three games.

"Niemi played well again, especially early in the game when we were still trying to find our way," said San Jose head coach Todd McLellan. "They were coming hard and had a good forecheck. But he gave us the chance."

Brad Winchester and Jamie McGinn also scored for the Sharks, who have won four of their last five.

The game between Pacific Division rivals included three fights and 100 combined penalty minutes. The Sharks and Stars will next meet December 8 in San Jose.

Andrew Raycroft gave up four goals on 38 shots for Dallas, which started a four-game road trip.

"I think you can see the frustration, especially in the second half of the game," said Raycroft. "Our emotions are high and we got rattled."

Joe Thornton set up Burns' goal 4:58 into the game with a pass across the crease for a tap in and 1-0 Sharks lead. Thornton also got an assist 83 seconds into the middle period, freeing the puck in the corner before Couture roofed a shot into the top of the net.

Winchester scored the first regular strength goal of the game at 4:52 of the second on a snap shot from the right circle, while McGinn made it 4-0 on a feed into the slot from Michal Handzus at 4:34 of the third period.

Ribeiro's goal -- a wrist shot from above the left circle on a rush -- was Dallas' first since 12:11 of the second period of a 5-2 loss at Detroit last Saturday.

The scoreless drought was 194 minutes and 11 seconds long.

Game Notes

The Sharks were coming off a 4-1-1 homestand. They went 2-for-4 on the power play, while Dallas was 0-for-3...Stars forward Krystofer Barch was involved in two of the game's three fights and had 12 penalty minutes. San Jose forward Ryane Clowe, who fought Barch in the third period, drew 15 penalty minutes in the game.






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