NHL: Lightning doesn't strike twice as the Stars return the favor against Tampa

Tampa, Florida - The Dallas Stars aren't done yet as they got a big win against the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night.

Stars center Joe Pavelski scored two goals and two assists in Dallas' win over the Lightning on Friday.
Stars center Joe Pavelski scored two goals and two assists in Dallas' win over the Lightning on Friday.  © IMAGO / Icon SMI

The Stars are still pushing to make it into the playoffs, and aren't quite out of it yet, as they got a much-needed 5-2 win against the Lightning.

Veteran Joe Pavelski (36) led his team with two goals and two assists, as Dallas still has a fighting chance to grab the last playoff spot in their division, with only two games remaining in the regular season. The Lightning didn't have much to lose on Friday, as they are currently one of the top teams heading into the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Stars, however, were playing with a sense of urgency, controlling their destiny as the season wraps up next week.

They were only 1-0 up at the end of the first period, but the visiting team poured it on in the next period with three more goals to take a commanding 4-1 advantage as the second came to a close. Both teams traded goals in the third, but Dallas easily held on for the win. Roope Hintz scored a goal and had two assists, while Jamie Oleksiak and Joel Kiviranta also scored a goal each for the Stars.

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Alex Barre-Boulet and Blake Coleman were the only ones who scored for the Lightning. Barclay Goodrow, Alex Killorn, Ondrej Palat, and Victor Hedman each helped out with an assist.

On Sunday, the Stars are in Chicago to take on the Blackhawks, and the Lightning face-off against the Panthers

Around the NHL

Flyers right wing Wade Allison scored two goals to beat the Capitals 4-2 on Friday night.
Flyers right wing Wade Allison scored two goals to beat the Capitals 4-2 on Friday night.  © IMAGO / Icon SMI

Wade Allison scored twice as the Flyers defeated the Capitals 4-2, while the Red Wings got a big win over the Blue Jackets 5-2. The Wild won in overtime over the Ducks 4-3.

In Vegas, the Golden Knights also needed overtime to win their game against the Blues 4-3. The Avalanche held off the Kings 3-2, and the Coyotes beat the Sharks 5-2.

On Saturday, the Rangers are in Boston to take on the Bruins, while the Hurricanes play the Predators in Nashville.

Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

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