The first period saw three goals from the Florida Panthers and little offensive time for the Stars.
Antti Niemi was pulled after the third goal against and Kari Lehtonen took his place. Dallas went into the first intermission trailing 3-0, having allowed 22 shots against.
The second period saw a Stars team that was desperate to get back in the game. They had sustained pressure and were rewarded with a power play goal late in the frame.
Patrick Eaves shot in a rebound on a Stars man advantage and allowed Dallas to head into the second intermission down 3-1.