Antoine Roussel scores go-ahead goal to help Stars beat Coyotes 3-1 for 2nd straight win

Phoenix Coyotes right wing David Moss (18) is pulled down by Dallas Stars defenseman Sergei Gonchar (55) during the second period of their NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, David Kadlubowski) (The Associated Press)

Dallas Stars center Cody Eakin (20) congratulates teammate Shawn Horcoff after he scored a goal against the Phoenix Coyotes during the second period of their NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, David Kadlubowski) (The Associated Press)

Antoine Roussel scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period, Kari Lehtonen stopped 26 shots and the Dallas Stars beat the Phoenix Coyotes 3-1 on Tuesday night in a key victory for their playoff hopes.

Shawn Horcoff also scored and Ryan Garbutt added an empty-netter for the Stars, who won their second straight game and moved within one point of Phoenix and two of Vancouver, which holds the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Antoine Vermette scored his eighth goal in nine games and Mike Smith made 37 saves for the sluggish Coyotes, who were thoroughly outplayed in the final two periods.