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DETROIT - Just about every break the Stars could ask for was dropped into their laps early in Game 2 on Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.
And yet Dallas still found a way to lose.
Detroit's leading playoff goal scorer, Johan Franzen, was scratched with concussion-like symptoms minutes before the game.
Norris Trophy defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom made a rare error by flipping a puck into the stands and handing the Stars a first-period power play.
A Red Wings' goal was waved off because of a hand pass.
And Dallas misfired on both a breakaway attempt and a 4-on-1 rush.
The result was a 2-1 victory for the Red Wings and a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 Western Conference finals. The teams head to Dallas for Game 3 on Monday, but the Stars do so knowing they have a difficult challenge ahead.
"We had some great opportunities and really didn't take advantage of them," Stars captain Brenden Morrow said. "The effort was there, we just need a little bit more."
But that's the interesting thing about the Red Wings. They find a way to overcome when you give more. Dallas was more intense and inspired than it was in Game 1, and it made several adjustments, including switching defense pairs and working the puck deeper into the offensive zone.
Still, after the first period, they were outshot, 12-4; outhit, 21-8; beat in the faceoff circle on 13 of 19 draws; and behind on the scoreboard, 2-1.
"They're a frustrating team to play against," Morrow said. "As good as they are offensively, they're also one of the top defensive teams in the league."
And while the Stars say they have to raise their level even more for Game 3, that won't be easy.
Jere Lehtinen suffered a leg injury and might be out of the lineup. Mike Ribeiro received a match penalty for slashing Detroit goalie Chris Osgood in the chest at the end of regulation. The penalty will automatically be reviewed by the league and could result in a suspension.
