DALLAS — The Stars’ early-season spark is quickly fizzling.
Columbus handed Dallas its third straight loss Tuesday night with a convincing 5-1 win, powered by a fast start and steady goaltending. Boone Jenner led the charge with a first-period goal and assist, while Elvis Merzlikins turned away 22 shots to backstop the Blue Jackets to their first win streak of the season.
Jenner’s goal came off a scramble in front after Charlie Coyle slipped the puck through traffic to set up the finish. Columbus built a 2-0 lead early and never looked back.
The Stars briefly showed life in the second period when Tyler Seguin tipped in a shot from Colin Blackwell, but Dallas couldn’t sustain any momentum. Missed chances, including an open net, and a strong performance from Merzlikins kept the home team off balance.
Rookie Adam Fantilli added a goal for Columbus, while defenseman Denton Mateychuk and Dmitri Voronkov also found the scoresheet before Kent Johnson’s empty-netter iced it.
Jake Oettinger finished with 24 saves for Dallas, which has now scored just five goals across three straight losses after opening the season with three high-scoring wins.
The Stars continue their homestand Thursday against Los Angeles. Columbus returns home to face Washington on Friday.
