The Pittsburgh Penguins bookended the scoring but took a road loss to the Dallas Stars.

PITTSBURGH – In the middle of a three-game road trip, the Pittsburgh Penguins traveled West to take on the Dallas Stars. The Penguins next three games are all against possible Stanley Cup contenders and that run started in Dallas.

Ryan Shea and Jeff Carter were both ruled out of the Penguins lineup, opening the door for Jack St. Ivany’s NHL debut and Jesse Puljujarvi returning to the lineup.

The Penguins still hope to make a run to the postseason, but they need to get things rolling quickly.

First Period

The Penguins didn’t take long to surprise the Stars and take an early lead. Just under three minutes in, Evgeni Malkin made a sneaky pass to find Michael Bunting in his usual spot around the goalie.

Bunting’s third goal in black and gold gave the Penguins a 1-0 lead before the Stars even recorded a shot.

The Stars have a skater of their own who likes to get around opponent’s nets and he made a difference on the game-tying tally. Joe Pavelski was credited with the goal as he crashed the net and an unfortunate bounce banked off of Marcus Pettersson past Tristan Jarry.

That was the only offense either team could put together through the opening frame. Heading into the first intermission, the score was knotted at 1-1.

Second Period

Much in the way the Penguins did in the first frame, the Stars scored to take the lead before the Penguins could get a shot on goal. A power play goal from Jamie Benn was labeled perfectly over Jarry who was struggling to stay on his skates.

The Stars weren’t done with one, either as just over a minute later, Benn scored his second of the night to extend their lead to 3-1.

The Penguins couldn't find an answer in the middle frame and were only able to muster seven shots for the second straight period.

Third Period

For the third straight period, a goal was scored before the opposing team could record a shot. Once again, it was the Stars kicking off the scoring for the period. With four unanswered goals to go up 4-1, Jarry was pulled to let Alex Nedeljkovic finish the contest.

The Penguins showed signs of life with another tally from the second line. Malkin found Bunting for the Penguins first goal, then this time finds Rakell to pull the team back within two.

With just under three minutes to play, the Penguins pulled Nedeljkovic for the extra attacker. After a few chances for the Stars, they thought they finally pounded home an empty net goal, but it was called back for offside.

The Stars never found their empty net goal, but they held off the Penguins' attack to secure a win.

The Penguins haven't won a game on the road since late February when they beat the Vancouver Canucks. Thanks this road loss to the Stars, the Penguins are now 0-6-1 in their last seven road games.

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