• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Stars look to build off emotional win

Jan 15, 2009 - 11:43 AM Buffalo (21-17-5) at Dallas (18-17-6), 8:30 p.m. EST

DALLAS (Ticker) -- Of all the critical wins the Dallas Stars have posted, their latest might have been the most emotional.

Dallas seeks its second straight victory and looks to continue its recent surge toward entering the Western Conference playoff picture when it hosts the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.

Four days after a deflating setback to the Detroit Red Wings, the Stars erased two two-goal deficits and rallied for a 5-4 overtime triumph over the defending Stanley Cup champions on Monday, reclaiming the winning ways that have nearly negated a dismal start to the season.

Marty Turco made 26 saves in his 420th game with Dallas, which ties a team record for games played by a goalie. He had been pulled in the previous loss against the Red Wings.

Dallas has won seven of its last 12 games and has hopped out of last place in the Pacific Division. The Stars, who will play three of their next five games at home, are four points away from tying the Columbus Blue Jackets for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.

Following a four-game winning streak, Buffalo has dropped two straight - including Wednesday's 4-1 setback to the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Sabres have struggled offensively lately, scoring three goals in their last three games.