After scoring two goals in the final three minutes of the first period, Stars captain Brenden Morrow left Monday night’s game against the Avalanche with a groin injury.
Morrow appeared gimpy when he left the ice during a shift change midway through the second period. Morrow, who has eight goals this season, did not return, but host Dallas rallied for a 5-4 victory.
One-timers
Karlis Skrastins of the Avalanche played in his 454th consecutive game, the second-longest streak by an NHL defenseman. The record is 486, by Tim Horton for the Maple Leafs (1961-68). . . . The Flyers gave John Stevens a two-year contract, a month after the team elevated him to the head coaching job. . . . The Coyotes ended Mike Ricci’s brief conditioning stint in San Antonio on Monday by recalling the veteran center from the Rampage. Ricci, 35, played two games to prepare for his return. He had been sidelined all season after off-season neck surgery.
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THREE STARS
Paul Gaustad
Sabres
First of center’s 2 goals started Sabres’ 7-goal outburst in second period in 7-2 victory over Lightning. Gaustad also added an assist.
Ryan Whitney
Penguins
Had a goal and two assists in Penguins’ 5-3 win over Flyers, helping Pittsburgh to a 4-0 record against them. Whitney’s goal late in first period made it 3-0.
Antti Miettinen
Stars
Scored unassisted goal with 6:02 left to lift Stars to 5-4 win over Avalanche. Eric Lindros had tied game for Dallas just 2 minutes earlier.
