Columbus Blue Jackets vs Dallas Stars Match Player Stats On Apr 15, 2021

Denis Gurianov posted two goals and an assist as the Dallas Stars scored four unanswered for a 4-1 home victory over the struggling Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night.

Defenseman Miro Heiskanen and Joe Pavelski also scored while Jake Oettinger made 17 saves to improve to 4-0-1 against Columbus this season.

Gurianov, who entered with a disappointing six goals after scoring a career-high 20 last season, posted his first multi-point contest since Feb. 11 for the Stars -- a stretch of 30 straight games without more than one point.

Fighting to get into playoff position in the Central Division, Dallas has at least one point in five consecutive games (3-0-2).

Jack Roslovic scored his ninth of the season, but Columbus managed just 18 shots on goal. Elvis Merzlikins stopped 27 for the Blue Jackets, who have lost four in a row (0-3-1) amid a 2-9-2 stretch.

Roslovic opened the scoring just 7:16 into the game when he was in perfect position to tip in Michael Del Zotto's shot from the mid-slot. However, the Blue Jackets did not threaten much after that, recording just 11 shots over the final two periods.

Dallas eventually took advantage, scoring twice over a span of 1:19 late in the second period to take the lead. Gurianov tied it when he flipped in a back-hander with 3:18 left in the middle frame, after Jason Dickinson came onto to the ice and kept the puck in the zone.

Gurianov picked up an assist when Heiskanen found his way into the slot and drove the puck past Merzlikins to give Dallas the lead with just under two minutes to play in the second.

Gurianov found some luck on his second goal. From near the side boards, Gurianov threw the puck toward the net, then off the leg of Del Zotto and in with 11:44 left in regulation. Pavelski added more insurance on his team-leading 17th goal with 4:52 left in the game.

These teams will play again Saturday night at Dallas.

--Field Level Media