And, They’re Off….

The Red Wings got their pre-season off to a promising start with a 3-1 victory over the Dallas Stars.

The first period was somewhat penalty-filled. The referees seemed to want to prove they were serious about this year’s crackdown on obstruction, mandated by the NHL office, and the hooking and holding penalties were plentiful. The Wings’ goaltender Manny Legace and the Stars’ new acquisition Ron Tugnutt held the game scoreless, facing seven and four shots respectively in the first twenty minutes of play.

Sean Avery got his season off to a good start by scoring the first goal of the game just over six minutes into the second period, on an assist by Derek King. Avery assured the fans he wasn’t going to give up his grinding style of play less than three minutes later by starting a fight with Dallas rookie Steve Ott. Both players were sent to the penalty box for five minutes to cool off, and Avery picked up an extra two minutes for the cross-check that started the fight.

About midway through the second period, the goaltenders switched out. Marc Lamothe came into the net for the Red Wings, while newly promoted number one goalie Marty Turco came out for the Stars. Turco, unfortunately for him, gave up a goal on the first shot he faced.

To make matters worse for Turco, the Stars were on a power play at the time. Boyd Devereaux stole the puck away from the Stars and set up the re-acquired Stacy Roest for the short-handed goal.

Devereaux scored a goal of his own 1:26 into the third period. His goal on a pass from Brett Hull helped ensure the victory for the Wings.

Jason Arnott finally put the Stars on the board about five minutes later with a power play goal assisted by Bill Guerin and Mike Modano, but it was too little and too late for Dallas.

The total shots on goal were twenty-five to twenty-two in favor of the Stars. The Red Wings’ next pre-season game will be Tuesday night at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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Jiri Fischer did not make the trip to Dallas, remaining instead in Detroit after further medical testing stemming from an abnormal EKG reading on September 12. He has been cleared to play and is expected to participate in practice this weekend.