~ Photo: LM Otero, AP

~ By Pearl Allison Lo

~ The Dallas Stars got their first shutout since December 14, as San Jose was shut out for the first time since January 3 in a 1-0 loss Monday.

Goalie Kari Lehtonen stopped all 30 shots he faced.

Curtis McKenzie’s first goal since February 11 broke the deadlock at 14:54 of the second. McKenzie, who mirrored the movements of goalie Aaron Dell right behind him, quickly deflected the shot from Adam Cracknell.

Like the Stars’ second meeting against the Sharks, Dallas had only one goal, but this time it was enough, in a less lopsided affair. San Jose won the first matchup 5-1 and Lehtonen was pulled after giving up three goals.

Dell, who was also in net that game, was just as stellar this time. He made two especially spectacular saves in the first and second to keep the game close.

The Sharks had the man advantage in terms of opportunities with the extra attacker as the game wound down.

They outshot the Stars in each period, but could not translate those shots to goals, offensive struggles and giving up the first goal marking their three game losing streak.

Dallas outhit San Jose 13-2 in the first and 25-9 overall. Each team killed off two power plays apiece.

Game notes: The Sharks had multiple personnel changes. Chris Tierney missed his first game this season with the flu and Jannik Hansen, hurt Saturday, was absent. Instead, Danny O’Regan and Timo Meier were recalled Sunday and David Schlemko played his first game since March 2. The Stars’ Jamie Benn returned to the lineup, with three shots on goal, one block and one takeaway. San Jose hopes to right their ship. With no time to dwell, they go back at it versus the Minnesota Wild Tuesday at 5:30pm.