The stars are out at Verizon Center. Unfortunately for the Washington Capitals, Michael Ryder is shining brightest.
Ryder's two goals have given the Dallas Stars a 2-1 lead over the Caps after 20 minutes.
Ryder's first goal came midway through the first period. After a Jamie Benn turnover, the loose puck came to Trevor Daley at the point. Daley cut to his left and fired a wrist shot towards the net. A heavily-screened Michal Neuvirth could not see the puck as Ryder deflected it past him for his fifth goal of the season at 10:32.
Alexander Semin tied the game at 1-1 while the Caps were on their first power play of the night. Brooks Laich sent the puck behind the net to Nicklas Backstrom in the corner, who sent a backhanded pass to Semin, who was all alone in the slot. Semin's rocket of a one-timer beat Kari Lehtonen at 15:43.
Ryder struck again less than two minutes to restore the Stars' lead. After some sustained pressure in the offensive zone, Michal Neuvirth robbed Ryder with a stick save in the crease. Ryder, however, corralled the rebound, made several dekes to catch a flailing Neuvirth off guard and slipped the puck into the net for his sixth goal of the season and second of the game.