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)