NHL: Morrow, Turco help Stars beat Predators 6-0

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009 9:26 p.m. MDT

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DALLAS — Brenden Morrow scored twice in the opening 4 minutes of Dallas' four-goal first period, and Marty Turco stopped 29 shots for his 37th career shutout in the Stars' 6-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night.

Brad Richards added a goal and two assists, and Loui Eriksson had a goal and an assist during the first-period outburst to help the Stars win at home for the first time this season. James Neal and rookie Jamie Benn each contributed two assists in the first period for Dallas (2-0-3).

Eriksson completed a two-goal night on a second-period power play, and Toby Petersen added a third-period goal.

The Predators (2-3) came out flat following Monday night's 6-1 home loss to Edmonton, losing their third straight.

Nashville starting goaltender Dan Ellis gave up three goals on three shots before he was pulled less than 7 minutes after the opening faceoff.

Morrow beat Ellis on a one-timer from the left circle at 3:17, and Richards converted Eriksson's centering pass 40 seconds later. Eriksson's deflection at 6:31 ended Ellis' night as coach Barry Trotz brought in backup Pekka Rinne.

Rinne didn't fare much better, with Morrow notching his second of the night on the power play at 8:48 of the first period to make it 4-0.

Dallas skated 5-on-3 when Eriksson's rebound 1:27 into the second period stretched the lead to 5-0.

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Ryan Suter had a chance to end Turco's shutout bid with 11:22 left but Suter's shot hit the right goal post. Turco also stopped a series of four quick shots with just over eight minutes remaining.

Petersen completed the scoring with 2:13 left.

NOTES: The teams were meeting for the second time in 12 days, both in Dallas. Nashville took a 3-2 shootout victory Oct. 3 in the opener for both clubs. ... The Stars got their four first-period goals on seven shots. ... RW Jordin Tootoo (hip flexor) and LW J.P. Dumont (head) remain out for Nashville. ... The Stars are without Cs Mike Modano (ribs) and Steve Ott (oblique). ... Trotz pulled Rinne on Monday night against Edmonton after he gave up four goals on nine shots in the first period.