NHL: Dallas 5, Montreal 2

DALLAS, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Adam Burish and Jamie Benn scored first-period goals for Dallas Tuesday, putting the Stars atop spot the Western Conference with a 5-2 win over Montreal.

Loui Eriksson scored his 100th career goal and Stephane Robidas added three assists for the Stars, who improved to 11-2-2 in their last 15 games and vaulted over Detroit to the the conference lead with 45 points.

Brad Richards and Karlis Skrastins also lit the lamp and and Kari Lehtonen turned aside 27 shots in the Stars' latest win.

The Canadiens, meanwhile, fell to 0-2 to begin their longest road trip of the year.

Brian Gionta and Mathieu Darche found the net and Carey Price made just 12 saves in the Habs' loss.