It would figure that on the day Krys Barch was given a two-year contract extension, he also was a healthy scratch.

That's the way it works for the 27-year-old winger, who serves as an instant-energy guy when needed.

"The thing about Barchy is he can come into the lineup and bring that energy every game," Dallas Stars coach Dave Tippett said. "You know what you're going to get from him."

That's why the Stars extended his contract, giving him two more years at $575,000 – a $100,000 raise from this season. The contract is "one-way,", meaning Barch receives that salary whether he plays in the NHL or minors. That's a huge deal for a guy who was playing in the East Coast Hockey League just two years ago.

"Let me just say it didn't take long to agree to terms," Barch said. "This was a quick one."

Barch has proven he belongs in the NHL, Stars co-general manager Les Jackson said. He is a hard-working winger with decent speed and decent hands. Yes, he's a fighter, but he's also a guy who takes important shifts and brings a solid presence to the ice. In 34 games this season, he is averaging 6:31 in ice time and has 58 hits. He has a goal and two assists.

"You feel good having guys like that," Jackson said. "He's a hard worker, he appreciates where he's at, it's a great story that he's up here. He's a great tough guy, and he's really improved his all-around play."

Zednik reaction: Stars captain Brenden Morrow said he was having dinner with Joe Nieuwendyk on Sunday when he heard about the injury to Florida forward Richard Zednik, who was rushed to the hospital after his carotid artery was severed by a teammate's skate blade.

Nieuwendyk, who works for the Panthers and was scouting the Stars on Monday, was receiving constant updates. That was a relief for Morrow, who was Zednik's roommate in junior hockey with the Portland Winter Hawks.

Morrow also could sympathize because he had his wrist sliced – just missing an artery – last season.

"I still have a bit of a phobia about skates," said Morrow, who had to have reconstructive surgery and missed 33 games. "It's so scary. I was happy to get the updates and know he was all right. It's just so scary when you stop to think about it."

Stars co-GM Brett Hull was on the ice for the St. Louis Blues in 1989 when Buffalo goalie Clint Malarchuk had his carotid artery severed.

"You really didn't know what was happening at the time, but you learned how serious it was after the game," Hull said. "It's a tough game, and we all know that going in. That's just one of the risks you take when you're a hockey player."

Briefly: The Stars gave up the first goal for the 30th time this season. They are a league-best 15-14-1 when allowing the first goal. ... Dallas leads the NHL in second-period goal differential at plus-20. Phoenix ranks second at plus-19. There was no scoring in the second period Monday. ... Brad Winchester returned to the lineup and played 6:14. Joel Lundqvist joined Barch as a healthy scratch. ... Dallas has scored eight goals on 22 5-on-3 power-play chances.