Belfour stopped 17 of 18 Detroit shots, allowing only a power-play goal by Steve Duchesne in the first period. The same is true for defenseman Darryl Sydor. His status for the opener is almost a given. If one potential problem was lifted from Hitchcock, another looms. The Stars will trim the roster to 27 players Wednesday, four above the opening-day limit.
Tough decisions abound.
At forward, rookies Tyler Bouck and Greg Leeb were on the ice for both Dallas goals and formed a solid line. On defense, seventh-round draft pick Jeff MacMillan remains in the picture despite strong camp performances by Brad Lukowich and Richard Jackman. The Stars were able to protect all players on one-way NHL contracts, and anticipate no significant losses, even though Atlanta Thrashers general manager Don Waddell was among those scouting the game for possible acquisitions. But should the right veteran be left unprotected, especially a defenseman, the Stars could be active. Goaltender Marty Turco played the third period and overtime for the Stars in front of about 25 friends and family, and turned away Kris Draper and Sergei Fedorov on breakaways.