Sports

Eakin, Benn and Whitney power Stars' 3rd-period surge in 5-1 victory over Canucks

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Vancouver Canucks center Alex Burrows (14) looks for a shot on-goal as Dallas Stars defenseman Trevor Daley (6) defends during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Thursday, April 18, 2013 in Dallas. (AP Photo/ Michael Mulvey) (The Associated Press)

Vancouver Canucks center Alex Burrows (14) attempts a shot on Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) as Stars' Jamie Benn (14) defends during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/ Michael Mulvey) (The Associated Press)

Cody Eakin, Jamie Benn and Ray Whitney scored goals early in the third period to break open a tie game and help the Dallas Stars cruise to a 5-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night.

Vernon Fiddler and Erik Cole also found the back of the net and Kari Lehtonen stopped 37 shots for the Stars, who are 6-1-0 in their last seven games.

Dallas moved into a tie with Detroit for ninth in the Western Conference, trailing Columbus for the eighth and final playoff spot by two points. The Stars have five games remaining, including one against the Blue Jackets in Dallas on April 25 and the finale against Detroit at home on April 27.

Derek Roy, who was traded from Dallas at the trade deadline on April 2, scored for Vancouver.