Originally published Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 12:00 AM

NHL playoffs | Stars avoid elimination by winning in Detroit

Marty Turco was surrounded by teammates in front of the net at Joe Louis Arena. For the first time in his NHL career at The Joe, they weren't...

By The Associated Press

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Dallas goaltender Marty Turco, foreground, follows the action from the crease during Saturday's playoff game in Detroit.

NHL scoreboard

DETROIT — Marty Turco was surrounded by teammates in front of the net at Joe Louis Arena. For the first time in his NHL career at The Joe, they weren't there to console him.

Turco made 38 saves to lift Dallas to a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday in Game 5, extending the Western Conference final series after losing the first three games of the best-of-seven event.

"It's probably the best I've felt in this building, ever," Turco said.

His timing was perfect. Turco had been 0-9-2 as a pro at The Joe after going 18-5 at the arena as a college standout at Michigan.

Trevor Daley scored for the Stars in the first period and Joel Lundqvist had a go-ahead goal on an assist from Turco in the second period.

Game 6 is Monday in Dallas.

If necessary, Game 7 will be played Wednesday in Detroit.

"We've proven that we belong in this series — and this building, as well," Stars forward Steve Ott said.

The top-seeded Red Wings insist pressure is not mounting on them after a 3-0 lead made them look like a lock to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since winning a title in 2002.

"If you told us we'd be up 3-2 going back to Dallas before we started playing, we'd probably take it," said Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood, a former Seattle Thunderbird.

Osgood made 19 saves.

Jiri Hudler scored for the Red Wings.