Resurgent Ducks double up suddenly struggling Stars

The Dallas Stars have been one of the NHL's best teams and the Anaheim Ducks have been one of the worst, but the script is beginning to flip.

The Ducks scored four first-period goals en route to a 4-2 victory over the Stars on Friday night, handing Dallas its second straight loss and seventh in the last 10 games.

Anaheim's recent play has essentially mirrored that of the once-dominant Stars. The Ducks earned their second straight win Friday and have now won seven of their last 10 contests.

Once tied with the Washington Capitals for the best record in the league, Dallas has ceded first place in the Central Division to the Chicago Blackhawks, who defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday night for their 10th straight win.

Anaheim has been near the basement in the standings until its recent surge, but Friday's win moved the Ducks to within two points of the Colorado Avalanche for the second wild-card playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Hampus Lindholm's power-play goal held up as the winner Friday, and Corey Perry scored his 17th of the season as Anaheim scored four times in a span of 12:32 in the opening frame.

Perry has seven goals in his last 11 games.

Stars forward Mattias Janmark deprived Ducks goaltender Frederik Andersen of the shutout with a second-period marker and Jamie Benn got the Stars within two on the power play in the third period.

The Ducks host the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday, then wrap up their eight-game homestand against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday before heading out on a three-game road swing.

Dallas travels to San Jose for a Saturday night clash with the Sharks.