Recap: Hintz scores twice, but Stars can't solve Canucks in 6-2 loss

No matter where the Stars finish in the standings, they'll be glad to not have to face the Vancouver Canucks again in the regular season.
Keeping it close for the first half of the game but never seizing control, the Stars lost 6-2 to the Canucks at Rogers Arena on Monday night in the opener of their three-game road trip. They've dropped all three games against the Canucks this season and have been swept in a season series by them for the first time in 11 years.

The loss bumped the Stars down to the second wild card, tied in points with Nashville. They were fortunate that Vegas lost in regulation as well, keeping the Golden Knights four points behind them. Despite the help in the out-of-town scoreboard, the Stars failed to capitalize in a big game against a desperate team.
It's been the tale of the season for the Stars, who have had all sorts of trouble seizing prime opportunities. Had they won, it would've been a huge blow to Vancouver's playoff hopes.
Jake Oettinger got the start, but lasted half the game, allowing four goals on 19 shots. If not for Roope Hintz, the Stars wouldn't have had any offense, as the 25-year-old had both of the team's goals (one of them shorthanded).

The Stars gave up goals to Conor Garland, Elias Pettersson (two), Brock Boeser, Jason Dickinson and Vasily Podkolzin, including tallies in the first few minutes of the second and third periods.
Thatcher Demko improved to 3-0 this season against Dallas.
Up next for the Stars is a daunting set of back-to-backs against Edmonton on Wednesday and Calgary on Thursday.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Kyle Shohara is the Digital Manager for DallasStars.com and writes about the Stars/NHL. Follow him on Twitter @kyleshohara.