The Dallas Stars need Marty Turco at the top of his game -- the way he was Tuesday night -- if they hope to get back to the playoffs.
Turco made 25 saves for his 35th career shutout and the Stars beat the Atlanta Thrashers 2-0.
Jere Lehtinen and Steve Ott scored for the Stars to back Turco's second shutout of the season. The Stars lost in a shootout to Phoenix in Turco's first shutout on Jan. 10.
Dallas began the night with a 3.22 goals-against average, 27th in the league, and Turco's been inconsistent for much of the season.
But Turco was sharp from the outset against Atlanta, benefiting from the All-Star break.
"You're always striving for shutouts," said Turco, who's won all seven of his career games against Atlanta. "If we can play like this, good things will happen. I didn't miss a beat. I felt fresher."
Dallas improved to 8-2-1 in its last 11 home games. The Stars have rallied from a poor start to the season and are 10-4-3 in their last 17 games overall to climb into playoff contention.
Timing for solid puck play comes at a good time as Dallas started a home stretch of 11 of 16 home games.
