You couldn't be blamed for thinking somebody was on drugs when you saw that score. The first game of a playoff series can be a funny thing. Both teams were coming off tough, seven-game victories in their previous series. Each series has its own rhythm which builds with each game. After those emotional Game 7's, rekindling that emotion can be tough.
Individual rivalries are yet to be forged to fire the passion.
There was no lack of emotion for the Stars. Unfortunately for them, the emotion was embarrassment. Belfour was conspicuous where he was, but it should also be noted Dallas defenceman Sergei Zubov was on the ice for the Devils' first five goals. His partner, Darryl Sydor, was out there for four of them. The Devils certainly deserved the lead at that point given they had dominated the boards and played outstanding positional hockey, challenging the Stars to fight for every inch of forward progress.