1.   And probably sometime soon, Stars defenseman Darryl Sydor figures the reality will hit.

2.   Stars defensemen Derian Hatcher and Richard Matvichuk were dominating in front of the net.

3.   Stars defenseman Derian Hatcher looked down, struggling to find words to express his frustration.

4.   Stars defenseman Mark Wotton, who had abdominal surgery in the off-season, has been skating and is set to join the team Friday.

5.   Stars defenseman Craig Ludwig said it was mostly a matter of the Blues having more to play for in the period.

6.   Stars defenseman Richard Matvichuk on a breakaway as he came out of the penalty box.

7.   Wear teams down, Stars defenseman Sergei Zubov suggested.