Status Quo for Wild in Dallas

Coming into Wednesday night's tilt with the Dallas Stars, the Minnesota Wild had not won in the Lone Star State since 2003. That streak continued as the Stars handed the Wild (6-1-1) its first regulation loss of the season with a 4-2 victory.

Dallas (4-4-2) took control of the game with the first drop of the puck. Brendan Morrow sunk a goal just 13 seconds into the game, and the Stars never looked back. Dallas struck for three goals in the first period alone, sending Minnesota goalie Nicklas Backstrom to the showers early, and giving backup Josh Harding his first action of the season.

Andrew Brunette and Marc-Andre Bergeron scored for the Wild. Morrow, Steve Ott, Brad Richards and Matt Niskanen all tallied goals for the Stars.

"We chased the whole game," defenseman Kim Johnsson told the Star Tribune. "They're very good with the small plays, especially from the corners to the high slot. They do that a lot, and we have to do a better job recognizing that."

On tap: The Wild need to forget this game quickly, as they return home to play the Montreal Canadiens (6-1-1) tonight at the Xcel Energy Center.