NHL: Dallas 6, Nashville 3

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DALLAS, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Steve Ott scored the third Dallas goal in a span of 2:55 of the first period Friday, igniting the Stars to a 6-3 decision over Nashville.

The Stars produced three goals on their first four shots of the game and drove Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne from the contest.

Nashville cut the lead to 4-3 when David Legwand scored on the power play 4:38 into the third period, but Jamie Benn boosted the Dallas lead 30 seconds later and Michael Ryder added an empty-net goal with 2:07 to play.

Dallas won for the fifth time in seven games. Nashville lost for just the second time in eight contests.

After Vernon Fiddler opened the scoring 9:25 into the game, Loui Eriksson and Ott scored to increase the lead to 3-0.

Matt Halischuk and Martin Erat tallied for the Predators in the second period, but Mike Ribeiro put a slap shot past Anders Lindback with 5:40 to go in the stanza to restore a two-goal Dallas lead.

Lindback stopped 20-of-22 shots after replacing Rinne. Nashville's comeback bid fell short 24 hours after the Predators had rallied from a three-goal deficit to defeat Columbus 6-5.