Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - Jaromir Jagr had a stellar debut with Dallas as
he scored twice and added two assists to help the Stars take a 4-3 win over
the Phoenix Coyotes in the season opener on Saturday.
Signed as a free agent from Philadelphia in the offseason, the active leader
in points in the NHL had a hand in all four goals, including the primary
assist on the game-winning tally by Loui Erikkson in the third period.
Ray Whitney, who played for Phoenix last season, also had a goal and an assist
for the Stars, who missed out on the playoffs for a fourth straight season
last year. Kari Lehtonen gave up three goals on 40 shots in the win.
Radim Vrbata posted two goals and an assist while Lauri Korpikoski also scored
for the Coyotes, who are coming off their best season since relocating to the
desert from Winnipeg after the 1995-96 season. Mike Smith gave up four goals
on 26 shots.
Phoenix won its first-ever division title last season as the team took the
Pacific Division. The club then went on to defeat Chicago in six games and
Nashville in five to make the conference finals for first time in club
history, but then fell to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Kings.
GAME NOTES:
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