The Stars did that a few weeks back when they rallied and played well in the third period against Boston. They followed that third period with a 2-0 win over the Capitals and won four of the next five games. Ironically, that was the last time they posted consecutive losses.
"We go right back on the road, so we've got to build on it," DeBoer said of a three-game road trip that starts Sunday in Philadelphia. "Good teams stop the bleeding quickly. They don't let one or two losses turn into six or seven."
Oettinger said he expects himself to be better, and players like Benn continue to show improvement. Benn had seven shot attempts in just under 16 minutes and was the team's best player, DeBoer said. He now has six goals in the past four games.
The top line continued its rampage, as Joe Pavelski and Roope Hintz each scored goals and Jason Robertson had two assists. It was an emotional game for players like Pavelski, who served as captain in San Jose, and for newcomer Mason Marchment. Bryan Marchment, the father of Mason, died during the summer and the Sharks honored their longtime scout and former player with stickers on their helmets. DeBoer, who worked with Marchment in San Jose, was wearing a "27" pin to honor him.
"We know the connection here with Mason, but [assistant coach] Steve Spott and I were great friends with his father and obviously with San Jose in town, they're wearing his number on their helmets. It's a special night, a tough night for Mason obviously," DeBoer said.
That said, tough nights can help the team move forward. The Stars came back and played a pretty solid third period, and they hope to push that into a very solid game in Philadelphia.
"I definitely could have made another save or two and helped to at least get to overtime," Oettinger said. "I know I have better, and I have to do that next game."
