1. Stephane Robidas, Stars: Two power-play goals in the second period for the underrated defenseman to go with his usual tenacious play.

2. Mike Ribeiro, Stars: Again showed his skill with the puck with a goal and two assists. Joe Thornton may be the only better passer among Western Conference forwards.

3. Chris Kunitz, Anaheim: Delivered both of Anaheim's goals and an intense fight with Steve Ott.

First period: In a chippy first 20 minutes, the Stars were fortunate to emerge with a tie. The Ducks had the edge in scoring chances and controlled the first half of the period. Corey Perry fed Chris Kunitz at the net for Anaheim's first goal. After two spirited fights, the Stars took advantage of Anaheim's aggressiveness. An elbowing penalty on Mathieu Schneider and roughing call on Samuel Pahlsson gave the Stars a 5-on-3 power play. Mike Ribeiro then was able to beat Anaheim goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere from the right circle.

Anaheim 1, Stars 1

Second period: The Stars' special teams dominated the period. Stephane Robidas gave the Stars the lead in the first five minutes following a holding penalty on Ryan Getzlaf. After the Stars killed two Ducks' power plays in quick succession, Anaheim's emotions again took over. Travis Moen was whistled for cross-checking, and Francois Beauchemin followed suit 32 seconds later. Robidas again capitalized from almost the same spot, with help from a screen by Brenden Morrow.

Stars 3, Anaheim 1

Third period: Anaheim buzzed the Stars' net early and often. The Ducks were unable to capitalize on a power play after a holding penalty. But the conservative approach caught up to the Stars, who seemed to go into a shell. Kunitz connected for his second goal midway through the period off the skate of Stars defenseman Nicklas Grossman and past goalie Marty Turco.

Stars 4, Anaheim 2