Stars shine in 8-2 romp over Maple Leafs

Stars shine in 8-2 romp over Maple Leafs

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs surrendered a season-high eight goals in an 8-2 rout at the hands of the Dallas Stars in their final game before the NHL's Christmas break on Tuesday.


Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Curtis Joseph makes a save on Dallas Stars Steve Ott (R) during the third period of their NHL game in Toronto December 23, 2008.

James Neal scored a hat-trick for the Stars, who have now won three of their last four games and are threatening to climb out of the Pacific division cellar.

Steve Ott, Fabian Brunnstrom, Brad Richards, Krystopfer Barch and Mike Ribeiro also scored for the Stars while Jason Blake and Mikhail Grabovski answered for the Maple Leafs.

It was a bitterly disappointing result for the Leafs, who had won five of their previous six games.


Toronto Maple Leafs Andre Deveaux fights with Dallas Stars Krystofer Barch (L) during the third period of their NHL game in Toronto December 23, 2008.


Toronto Maple Leafs Andre Deveaux pulls the jersey over Dallas Stars Krystofer Barch as he throws a punch during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Toronto December 23, 2008.


Dallas Stars Landon Wilson collides with Toronto Maple Leafs Jonas Frogren during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Toronto December 23, 2008.
Agencies