Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said his team "didn't just hang on by the threads" in a 3-2 victory over the surging Dallas Stars on Saturday. But Chicago needed every one of Petr Mrazek's 42 saves and 30 blocked shots by position players to end the Central Division leading Stars' franchise record eight-game winning streak. Petr Mrazek was tired by then end, but good enough in his career-best 50th start. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NTU3NjMyMTk3NjY1ODY2/usatsi_22957269_168401008_lowres.jpg] Petr Mrazek was tired by then end, but good enough in his career-best 50th start. Connor Bedard, Andreas Athanasiou and Seth Jones scored in the second period. Mrazek was terrific from puck-drop to finish in his career-high 50th start in a resurgent season. The Blackhawks were sluggish in the first period — getting outshot 14-6 — before breaking through for just enough offense in the second. "Petr was solid all night for us and obviously we have to credit him to keep us in that game and let ourselves find it in the second," Richardson said. "I though we made some plays in the second." See video. Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson on 3-2 win over Dallas that ended Stars' eight-game winning streak. CHICAGO PLAYING BETTER DOWN STRETCH Although the Blackhawks are last in the Central and 31st in the league, they're 8-6-0 in their last 14 games. Bedard upped his NHL-best rookie totals to 22 goals and 59 points in 62 games. Athanasiou’s goal was his first in 22 games this season after missing four months with a groin injury. Andreas Athanasiou finally scored his first goal of the season. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NTU3NjMyMTk3NDY5MjU4/usatsi_22955920_168401008_lowres.jpg] Andreas Athanasiou finally scored his first goal of the season. Jones has eight goals on the season, but he has scored seven times in his last 14 games. The Blackhawks were just good enough against backup Scott Wedgewood, connecting on three of 17 shots. Jake Oettinger, the Stars' No. 1 goalie, recorded shutouts in the team's previous two games. At 48-20-9 and 105 points, the Stars are three points ahead of second-place Colorado. The Stars and Avalanche meet in Denver on Sunday in what Dallas coach Pete DeBoer said was “our biggest game of the year" before Saturday's loss. Dallas and Colorado have five games remaining. Roope Hintz scored his 29th goal for Dallas, 13-3-0 in its last 16 contests. Jamie Benn scored with 4:23 left, giving the Stars eight 20-goal scorers for the first time. Benn, the Stars captain, has nine goals and 12 points in his last nine games. “When you’re on an eight-game winning streak, you hope that puck luck can continue a little bit," DeBoer said. "We had some during the streak and tonight we didn’t have enough of it. "Credit to them, they played hard ... Mrazek was good." Mrazek said he was focused and into this one right away, but then needed the second intermission to catch his breath after Dallas' potent offense kept coming in waves. He held the fort during a late 5-on-3 Dallas power play, then after the Stars pulled Wedgewood for an extra attacker. Bedard was out late in the game to help protect the lead after defensive specialist forwards were gassed. Mrazek didn't even notice, he said. See video. Petr Mrazek on his 42-save performance to beat Dallas 3-2 and end Stars' eight-game winning streak,
