Anaheim Ducks Withstand Dallas Stars Comeback To Take Game 1

Apr 16, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Matt Beleskey (39) celebrates after a Ducks goal in the second period as Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) and defenseman Patrik Nemeth (37) react in game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The first period of the playoff opener between the Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars indicated it might be a walkover for the Ducks, but a furious comeback by the Stars made it interesting, but fell just short as the Ducks won 4-3 on home ice.

Anaheim wound up with a 4-0 lead by the midway point of the game, with goals in the first period by Kyle Palmeiri, Ryan Getzlaf and Mathieu Perreault, and then Matt Belesky adding what turned out to be the game winner in the second before the Stars woke up.  Jamie Benn and Colton Sceviour tallied before the second period was out, and Tyler Seguin got them within one with just over 6 minutes left, but they couldn’t complete the miracle comeback.

Each time had 35 shots, mostly early on, as the goaltending was suspect at times with Frederik Andersen making his playoff debut for the Ducks and Kari Lehtonen looking shaky early on but settling down in the Dallas net.

Ryan Getzlaf left the game in the final minute after blocking a Stars’ shot with his mouth, but like most hockey players in the playoffs, expect him back for the opening puck drop of game 2 on Friday night.