Radek Faksa and Antoine Roussel have developed some chemistry over the years.

Just ask their linemates.

Faksa and Roussel helped Ales Hemsky tally 13 goals among 39 points two seasons ago. Last season, the duo was a big part of Brett Ritchie getting 16 goals among 24 points. And so far this year, they've helped newcomer Tyler Pitlick get off to a fast start with a two-goal game Saturday in a 4-3 win over Carolina.

"Faksa's line was the best line of any line on the ice for either team," Stars coach Ken Hitchcock said. "They controlled the hockey game, and they did everything we needed them to do. They're playing right at the top of their game right now. They have three guys working together and three guys pushing each other. Three guys that the coaching staff really relies on and depends on, and has a lot of confidence in them. It's a good sign."

Pitlick, a 25-year-old winger, signed a three-year free agent contract in the summer for $1 million a season after being let go by Edmonton. For a guy who has battled injury problems and played just 58 games over three NHL seasons, Pitlick has looked like a grizzled veteran.

Hitchcock said when he was in St. Louis, he faced Pitlick before he suffered a season-ending knee injury. Hitchcock said the Stars also saw Pitlick have a good game against them last season.

"One of the things that Pitlick had going for him was that we played Edmonton a lot early so we had a really good understanding of what he was like," Hitchcock said. "We saw that stuff again when we looked back at the video."

Pitlick said his game is simple and it fits with Roussel and Faksa.

"We don't do a whole lot special. We just play the game hard, we get the puck in deep, and we're physical and just grind it out down low," he said. "We're starting to make more plays and we're starting to get rewarded for our hard work."

If the line can start producing, it can be a great boon to the Stars, who have been top-heavy in scoring. And as much as Roussel and Faksa have helped others find the net, they've also chipped in, as each had 12 goals last season.

"I think it's their relentless competitiveness," Hitchcock said. "They just play right through people. You know what the best part is? You don't have to tell them the right way to play; they play the right way. It's really good to see. It's good to see people that are that cooperative for the things that you need. It's really good to see."

Twitter: @MikeHeika