The Stars returned from the Olympic break with a few medals in tow and a few players missing, but it did not stop Dallas from a strong start at home. 

Despite Roope Hintz out with an illness and Mikko Rantanen and Radek Faksa sidelined with injuries, the Stars were able to defeat the Seattle Kraken 4-1. 

For both teams, there was some rust that needed to be shaken off in the first period after a two-week lapse in NHL play. Dallas dealt with a few Seattle power plays before Wyatt Johnston kicked off scoring for the Stars at the end of the first with a deflection from Esa Lindell’s shot. 

The goal built momentum for Dallas, who entered the second period with a lead and only added to it as the next twenty minutes went by. Matt Duchene’s deflection from Thomas Harley’s shot doubled the score less than two minutes in and looked very similar to Johnston’s goal. 

Colin Blackwell received a high stick to the face shortly after that gave Dallas its first man advantage of the game. The Stars did not score in those two minutes, but Sam Steel found space a few seconds after when he stuffed the puck through Joey Daccord’s legs to bring the score to 3-0.  

Seattle challenged the goal for goaltender interference, but ended up giving the Stars a power play when the officials confirmed the goal. 

Johnston put up another power play goal to bring the period to an end. This one was another deflection, this time from Miro Heiskanen. The forward’s 31st goal of the season surpasses Mike Modano’s record for most power play goals scored in a single season. 

“That’s a pretty impressive guy to pass. Obviously, he’s got a statue up front, so, pretty cool,” Duchene said. “Johnny’s a great young player. He’s got a bright present and future. And he’s a great kid. It’s been really fun watching him grow and continue to grow.”

This energy did not dissipate as the third period unrolled. Head coach Glen Gulutzan, who had emphasized physical play pregame, certainly saw some. 

After a few hits on Heiskanen, Adam Erne and Justin Hryckowian decided enough was enough. The pair got into it with Jacob Melanson and Ben Meyers who all got sent to the box.

“I loved it. I loved it because you need some of that,” Gulutzan said.”It’s motion, it’s real, with some of the hits on Miro. If you don’t have it, your teams aren’t the same. You need it. You need it nightly. You need it to be, again, in the fabric of your jersey.”

Both teams’ cross checking, roughing and fighting penalties weighed in the Kraken’s favor, and Seattle went to a power play. Dallas killed it, but Ryker Evans was able to put his team on the board and avoid a shutout loss. 

The Stars will stay at home as they look to continue their seven-game win streak Saturday night at 7 p.m. CST against the Nashville Predators.