NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Marty Turco made sure the Dallas Stars got a point, then made sure the Nashville Predators did not get an extra one.
Turco came up with two big saves during a third-period power play and made a diving pokecheck in overtime as the Stars rallied for a 1-1 tie with the Predators in the opener of a home-and-home series.
With the score tied, Turco took a roughing penalty early in the third period. On the ensuing power play, he got himself off the hook with a left pad stop on Scott Hartnell's one-timer from the right faceoff circle and used the same pad to deny Hartnell on the rebound.
"I better stop those ones," Turco said, referring to the fact it was his penalty that put the Predators on the power play. "The play happened quickly, but I anticipated it, got a good push and got there in time."
In overtime, speedy David Legwand darted up the middle on a partial breakaway, but Turco lunged and used his stick to break up the play.
"I just realized how much time he had, and the element of surprise is the biggest thing," Turco said.
"He came out and I didn't really expect it," Legwand said. "It's a reactionary play and that's what this game is all about."
Nashville coach Barry Trotz labeled Turco "a gambler," adding, "He won that one, but if Leggy wins it, we win the game."
Turco made 25 saves and Rob DiMaio scored for Dallas, which extended its unbeaten streak to a season-high three games (2-0-1).
The Stars were trailing, 1-0, midway through the second period when Pierre Turgeon carried into the Predators' zone on the left side. DiMaio slipped behind the defense and got a perfect pass from Pierre Turgeon before snapping a shot over the left shoulder of goaltender Tomas Vokoun.
"I saw a little opening and I was fortunate to put it there," said DiMaio, who scored his second goal of the season.
"The 'D' stepped up on me and Robbie had some speed," Turgeon said. "The timing was good."
Red-hot Greg Johnson tallied for the Predators, who were beaten by the Stars on October 11 at the Gaylord Entertainment Center but are 4-1-1 in the last six home meetings with Dallas.
Johnson's goal 13:41 into the first period was his fourth of the season and third in two games.
Vokoun stopped 27 shots in a game that featured a combined three power plays.
