Big Third Period Lifts Stars Over Coyotes

Brenden Morrow’s goal with 21.8 seconds left capped a three-goal, third-period rally that lifted the Dallas Stars to a 4-3 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday night at Dallas.

Morrow’s 55-foot slap shot beat Phoenix goalie Sean Burke to break a 3-3 tie with his 12th goal.

Brent Gilchrist’s second goal of the season with 1:14 left had tied it for Dallas, which dominated the third period with a 16-4 advantage in shots.

Dallas, 3-0-3 in its last six games, has 80 points, tying Phoenix for seventh in the Western Conference playoff race.

*

Atlanta 5, New York Rangers 2--Frederic Cassivi stopped 33 shots in his first NHL start and Tony Hrkac scored two goals to lead the Thrashers at New York.

Dan Blackburn gave up all five Atlanta goals in relief of Mike Richter, who was injured early in the first period when struck in the face mask by a shot.

*

Montreal 3, Tampa Bay 3--Yanic Perreault scored with 6.2 seconds left in regulation as the Canadiens rallied for a tie at Tampa, Fla.

Richard Zednik was stopped on a penalty shot by Tampa Bay goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, who made a glove save with 3:40 left in the second period.

*

Toronto Maple Leaf forward Darcy Tucker was suspended for two games without pay by the league for charging Washington defenseman Sergei Gonchar in a game Thursday.