Zubov Makes Powerful Return

The return of Sergei Zubov was exactly what the Dallas Stars needed to lift their sagging power play.

With Zubov again anchoring the unit after a month-long absence because of a knee injury, Dallas scored twice in its first three chances with a man advantage to defeat the San Jose Sharks, 4-0, in the opener of their Western Conference semifinal series Friday night.

The Stars went two for 26 on the power play without Zubov in their first-round series against Edmonton. They went two for seven in this game with Zubov assisting on goals by Mike Modano and Joe Nieuwendyk.

“When he’s able to start with the puck, it opens things up for everyone,” Modano said of Zubov. “He really dictates the speed of the game.”

San Jose took just four shots in the first period and failed to get off any on its first three power plays. Steve Shields allowed goals on two of Dallas’ first six shots, then gave up two more goals in a 1:55 span early in the third period.

“This was our worst performance of the playoffs,” San Jose center Vincent Damphousse said.

Shields, who was superb in a Game 7 upset against the St. Louis Blues, said the slow start derailed the Sharks.

“We got into a hole early and didn’t feel like we were into the game much,” he said. “I didn’t feel comfortable at the start and it showed.”

Dallas goaltender Ed Belfour stopped 18 shots for his ninth career postseason shutout and second of the playoffs. The series continues Sunday at Dallas, where the Stars are 4-0 in the postseason.

Around the NHL

King center Ian Laperriere underwent successful surgery on Thursday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, the team said.

Laperriere, 26, wore a brace during the season to play through the injury, recording nine goals and 13 assists in 79 games. The 6-foot-1, 197-pounder is expected to be ready for training camp in September.