Benn hat trick, Krahn's 43 saves power Stars past Chicago 5-3

by scm83x on May 7, 2010 11:28 PM CDT

The Texas Stars played their last game of the series on home ice this evening and ended the home stint with a bang. The Stars now lead the best-of-seven series against the Chicago Wolves (Atlanta Thrashers) 3-2.

Despite allowing the first goal on a power play, Texas came back to end the first period up 3-1 on goals from Jamie Benn (2) and Perttu Lindgren. Jamie Benn scored again in the second to complete the first home hat trick and first playoff hat trick in Stars history. Texas added an empty net tally from Aaron Gagnon. The two goals not scored by Benn were both assisted by Benn, who had the first five-point night in Texas Stars history. Of Benn, goaltender Brent Krahn mused, "90% of the guys [sent down to the AHL after the season] would say 'I don't even want to be here, I played in the NHL all season long' and to his credit the guy has character. He's a young guy; he's battled and worked hard."

Brent Krahn was phenomenal himself, facing 46 shots and saving 43. "Shots [against] were 20-something [in each period]," said Krahn after the game, "but a good 60-70% of those were just routine saves and they're just trying to wait for a rebound or bad bounce." Krahn added, "Just because the shots aren't up, doesn't mean we aren't taking it to 'em".

Full game recap available on Hundred Degree Hockey. Texas now takes the series back to Chicago for Game 6 Sunday afternoon and a possible Game 7 Tuesday night. Texas will return Garrett Stafford and Warren Peters to the ice this weekend, as both were serving AHL suspensions.

(Photo credit to Brian Hackert)

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I love it

The AHL suspends 2 players and the Stars say “Whatever, we win.”

Defending Big D

by Brad Gardner on May 7, 2010 11:42 PM CDT reply actions

Also,

Peters’s replacement, Sergei Korostin, did not take a shift in the game. Jamie Benn double-shifted with Peters’s wingers, Wathier and Sawada, and got two goals with that line! Both were assisted by Sawada.

Blogging about the Texas Stars at HundredDegreeHockey.com

by scm83x on May 7, 2010 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions

That's weird

I really enjoyed Korostin a lot at training camp.

Defending Big D

by Brad Gardner on May 7, 2010 11:47 PM CDT reply actions

He was hot and cold

and you can’t take a chance on a hot and cold player in the postseason.

Blogging about the Texas Stars at HundredDegreeHockey.com

by scm83x on May 7, 2010 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Out of curiosity, what was the deal with Trevor Ludwig and all his penalties?

From the box score, it looks like he spent most of the first half of the 2nd in the box, not to mention his penalty just 39 seconds into the game to start off.

by TracyJean on May 8, 2010 12:27 AM CDT reply actions

Gosh who knows?

But I heard his dad, Craig, was in the building and even signed autographs on the concourse.

Blogging about the Texas Stars at HundredDegreeHockey.com

by scm83x on May 8, 2010 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks so much for doing this guys.

I’m loving being able to keep up with this run.

http://www.RockMNation.com
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by RPT on May 8, 2010 11:13 AM CDT reply actions

what a GREAT game!

As always, had a blast…
ran into Craig Ludwig on the concourse. Saw Toby Petersen there too.

**Proof SOME rules are meant to be broken**

by PNLTBX on May 8, 2010 11:38 AM CDT reply actions

Thanks for the recaps!

I’m more interested in this than most of the NHL series. Those games are about who I am rooting against while this is about a team I am rooting for!

How has Vishnovski (sp?) been playing for the wolves? I also assume that Chelios is still pulling the primary duty against Benn, even with the Stars getting last change. I know his 3rd was one of those sick wristers with Chelios on him. Which says something. Chelios has lost a step with age, but is a wiley vet and one of the best ever. Once he gets a chance to engage you he hasn’t lost much. And that last goal sounded like it was beating him in tight.

I am so impressed with Benn. A full season grind in the NHL, by far the most games ever for him and rather than going down and just putting in some time hoping to snipe a few goals he is giving it his all. I was impressed by his skills all season, but having the heart and ability to take it to another level in the big games is something few possess. I hope he can show us the same soon in Dallas.

by 1paniolo on May 8, 2010 11:58 AM CDT reply actions

Ivan Vishnevskiy, now with the Wolves, has almost been a non-factor. He had 2 assists in the Wolves’ win in Chicago, but otherwise is not on the scoresheet much. He is minus-2 in the series as well.

Cheli is the guy against Benn most of the time, which is a funny matchup when you think about the age difference (48 v. 20). Benn had been held scoreless in the last three games against Chicago, but had a breakout game last night.

The kid has a lot of heart though. I will say from a reporter’s side… despite the gregariousness of his on ice play, he’s extremely soft spoken and reserved in postgame interviews.

Blogging about the Texas Stars at HundredDegreeHockey.com

by scm83x on May 8, 2010 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I've noticed that. Every interview I've seen of him has been like that, even when he did Stars Insider back the beginning of March and it was Marty Turco interviewing him.

He’s never come across as having that “I don’t want to be here” look, but more of a “I’m not really sure what I’m doing here and what I’m supposed to say.” He comes across as wanting to let his work on the ice do the talking for him.

by TracyJean on May 8, 2010 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions