COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jussi Jokinen was in a bit of a slump in the shootout last season.

Of course, a slump for Jokinen is somewhat relative. The all-time NHL leader in shootout goals with 16, Jokinen went 5-for-12 last season – a step down from the 10-for-13 he converted in 2005-06.

So Jokinen went to work in the summer and came up with a few more moves. On Wednesday, he unveiled a slow-moving forehand-to-backhand shot that fooled Columbus goalie Fredrik Norrena and provided the Stars with the margin of victory in a 3-2 shootout win against the Blue Jackets.

"I worked on a few things, and I picked the right one," Jokinen said. "I know Norrena from the Finnish national team, and he didn't leave much room, but it was enough."

Jokinen doesn't need much room. He is 16-for-26 in his career and has helped the Stars to a 22-5 shootout record – the best in the NHL since the league began the tiebreaker in 2005.

"I never know what he's got," Stars goalie Mike Smith said of Jokinen's arsenal. "I think when he dreams at night, he dreams about what he's going to do in the shootout."

Smith also has been solid in his limited shootout opportunities. He has stopped all six shooters he has faced and won both of his games (the other victory in Detroit last season). And Stars coach Dave Tippett said it takes a combination of good shooters and good goaltenders to be as good as the Stars have been.

"It's timely scoring and timely saves," Tippett said. "We've been fortunate; our guys put a lot of stock in it. It's part of the rules, it is what it is, and they're valuable points, very valuable points."

Stephan sent back: The Stars activated Smith (bruised arm) from injured reserve and returned rookie goalie Tobias Stephan to the Iowa Stars on Wed- nesday. Stephan played in one game, an overtime loss in Chicago. Still, Tippett said it was a good starting point for the rookie.

"When you play a game like he did, it gives you some confidence that you're not far away," Tippett said. "He can go down and work on some things and know that he's a little closer."

Stars goalie Marty Turco said that Stephan didn't receive great support from his teammates on the ice or off but said he is leaving with a lot of respect in the room.

"I think he played great under some tough circumstances," Turco said.

Briefly: RW Jere Lehtinen finished with seven shots on goal. ... Dallas is now 19-3-3 lifetime against the Blue Jackets. ... LW Brenden Morrow is two games shy of 500 in his career. ... Dallas is 3-for-26 in its last five games.