Stars stay hot, cruise past Flames for 10th straight win

CALGARY -- The Dallas Stars extended their franchise-record winning streak to 10 games with a 6-1 win against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday.

“You feed off the energy of the group, and the guys are in a good space right now,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “We’ve been playing good hockey for a while. I like the way we’re playing both ways. That’s the best part of it. These guys are pretty bought in to playing both ways. It’s a great group. It’s fun to be a part of.”

Sam Steel had two goals and an assist, Jamie Benn and Wyatt Johnston each had a goal and an assist, while Matt Duchene tallied a career-high four assists and Casey DeSmith made 20 saves for the Stars (38-14-9).

Gulutzan commended the line of Steel, Duchene and Benn for contributing a combined nine points during the victory.

“We put it (the line) together before the [Olympic] break and they each add to it,” Gulutzan said. “Obviously, Jamie’s got that veteran leadership. He’s great around the net … a big body, he can create turnovers. Sam goes and gets pucks and keeps them alive and ‘Dutchy,’ you can tell he’s making plays. What did he have, four assists tonight? He’s had some goals. He’s kind of the offensive catalyst there.”

Morgan Frost scored for the Flames (24-29-7), who had been 1-1-1 on a three-game road trip following the Olympic break. Dustin Wolf allowed four goals on 17 shots before being pulled at 6:02 of the second period in favor of Devin Cooley, who made 16 saves in relief.

“I wish there would have been more frustration because maybe then they would have got a little bit more engaged in the game,” Flames coach Ryan Huska said. “It was one of those nights where we weren’t good top to bottom. I thought our D-men were slow with the puck and the decisions that they made. I thought our forwards were light and easy to play against.”

Steel put the Stars ahead 1-0 at 8:44 of the first period. Duchene’s initial shot deflected off Steel’s stick and then Calgary defenseman Yan Kuznetsov’s leg in front before getting through Wolf’s five-hole.

“It’s been nice,” Steel said of playing with Duchene and Benn. “I think we’re just finding some chemistry that’s clicking right now and those are two easy guys to play with, so it’s been fun.”

Frost pulled the Flames even at 1-1 at 9:52 when he batted Blake Coleman’s pass out of midair and past DeSmith while down on one knee in front of the net.

“Just not enough emotion out there, didn’t push back enough,” Frost said. “They were on a back-to-back. We just came out flat and didn’t push them at all. It’s a disappointing feeling in the room.”

Benn scored at 11:54 to put the Stars ahead 2-1. Situated behind the net, Duchene backhanded a pass out to Benn at the left circle, who snapped a shot past Wolf short side.

“He made a great pass,” Benn said. “We’re just trying to do our part for this group.”

Mavrik Bourque put the Stars up 3-1 at 2:26 of the second period. Jason Robertson's shot from just inside the blue line went through the legs of Calgary forward Mikael Backlund and past the screen in front for the redirection by Bourque.

Steel put Dallas up 4-1 with his second goal of the night at 6:02. Duchene deked around the defender at the left circle before his cross-ice pass found Steel for the snap shot from the right circle, prompting Cooley to take over in net for Calgary.

“I think you’re always trying to get better and better year by year, and I think I’m trying to take steps this year,” Steel, who matched his career-high in goals scored with his 10th of the season, said. “I’ve been getting a little bit more opportunity, which is always great. I’m just glad to help contribute.”

Nathan Bastian redirected a point shot by Nils Lundkvist past Cooley at 8:48 to extend the Stars lead to 5-1.

Johnston made it 6-1 at 19:41 with a power-play goal, taking a pass from Duchene on his forehand in front of the net before backhanding a shot past Cooley, who went on to stop all 13 shots he faced in the third period.

“You definitely get confidence from when it’s going well,” Duchene, who has a team-best 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) during Dallas’ 10-game winning streak, said. “You’ve got to ride the wave. You want to make those peaks long. I think as a line we’re doing a lot of good things.”

NOTES: In 48 career games against the Flames, Benn has recorded 48 points (24 goals, 24 assists). … Benn scored his 409th career goal and passed Ray Ferraro (408) for the second-most by a player drafted in the fifth round of an NHL Draft. The only skater with more is Alexander Mogilny (473). … The Stars have 17 wins this season when scoring first on the road, which is the most among all teams. … Dallas forward Roope Hintz (illness) was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Feb. 25. Gulutzan said he's hopeful Hintz will be back for Dallas' game on Friday against the Colorado Avalanche. "We think he should be a player Friday and if he’s not ready Friday, I think it would be 100 percent on Sunday (against the Chicago Blackhawks)," Gulutzan said.