Third period surge carries Stars

"It's good to have that spot secured and be playing playoff hockey before playoffs," Roberts said. "We had good goaltending that kept us in the game. We played hard in the third period. We saw that our goalie kept us in the game, so we had to put some goals in for him."

Stars' goalie was Roberts' brother, Tyler, who made 23 saves. Hage was the busier netminder facing 40 shots.

Tristan Roberts, who also picked up an assist on the Mazza goal, was at his usual aggressive self on the fore-check, keeping the Kings off balance.

"I just want to set an example," said Tristan. "I'm one of the older guys. I've seen a lot of things, been through a lot of games. If I can do something and it reflects to the other guys on the bench I'm going to do it. If it means working in the corners or getting the puck to the net, I'm going to do it. If I lead by example, I don't have to talk as much on the bench."

The Stars own a 16-24-3-1 record, but are 7-6-2-0 since the season resumed Feb. 4.

St. Thomas had a season best four game win streak, before dropping games on three consecutive nights last week, two at LaSalle and one at home against Leamington.

Phillips believes the Stars are playing their best hockey as the playoffs near.

"We're on a roll now. We'll just keep doing what we're doing. We're cycling low, working them hard down low in the offensive zone," Phillips said. "We're bonding well. We pass really well during the games. Chemistry, it's more about chemistry than anything."

Amaral and Mazza, both had a goal and two assists.

Mathieu Paris, out with an ankle injury, continues to lead the Stars with 20 goals and 40 points. Roberts has 16 goals and 19 assists and Tyler Alexander, 10 goals, 22 assists. Oliver Bonk had a team high 26 assists.

Stars honour Jones

In a pre-game ceremony, the Stars honoured the life of Tom Jones, trainer, dressing room and equipment volunteer for close to three decades. Jones passed away in January, at age 71.

Stars' owner and general manager Joe Daniels said, Jones saw many players and coaches come and go through the organization over his nearly 30 years with the club.

"He'd always talked to you. He'd always give you whatever he could. That's the type of guy he was. He's going to be missed there's no doubt," said Daniels in January. "It's always nice to show up at the dressing room, even if things are going bad as the team, to a smiling face."

Jones had a lasting impact on Stars alumni.

"I had a lot of players reach out to me," Daniels said. "That means they respected and are very thankful for the job that he did over the years. They remember."