As the Dallas Stars anticipate Round 2 Game 2, they have a weapon they can count on. His name is Jamie Benn, and all signs indicate that he’s the fulcrum on which turns the series with the St. Louis Blues.
The Captain has a history of Beast Mode play against the Blues, as Stars senior staff writer Mike Heika reminds us. Jason Spezza knows what it is, and it’s “not rocket science”:
“There are some teams that you get good feelings against, confidence,” Spezza added. “His games when he is engaged physically are always his best. It’s not a secret. For a guy to have his skill, he’s one of the true power forwards left in the game.
”When he plays that way, he’s hard to stop.”
Benn’s physical, emotional game can take a toll on him as well as on his opponents, which is why head coach Jim Montgomery says it’s custom-built for the Stanley Cup playoffs:
“We’re playing every second day, and he has more time to rest, he has more time to play his true power forward-type game,” Montgomery said. “His second and third effort, he has better energy. Because of that, it looks like he has more passion. The passion’s always there, it’s whether he has the energy to do it.”
There’s more at Mike’s place – including the article linked from the tweet, about how big plays will make a big difference in this series. [Dallas Stars]
One or two plays can change a game — or a series. Whether it’s Tarasenko getting around Polak and then Heiskanen, or the Stars getting great chances on Binnington, key plays will be huge moving forward. https://t.co/6wq5KTOghf
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 26, 2019
Stars Stuff: Second Round Edition
Don’t forget the early start time: 2 p.m. CDT on NBC.
Yeah, you’re booked from 3 ET on today. This is why. @NBC is your spot. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/8x6fj0fv4U
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) April 27, 2019
Want to relive that first round? Open Ice has you covered.
For its first Winter Classic Legacy Project, the Dallas Stars Foundation has made a big pledge to a school with a history of great work in the South Dallas community.
The @DS_Foundation will pledge $2 million over the next five years to @SPSCC1600 as part of our Legacy Project for the 2020 NHL Winter Classic. https://t.co/UE86Xhy6gk
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 26, 2019
Around The League(s): Postseason Edition
The Carolina Hurricanes keep storming. They took Game 1 in a 1-0 shutout against the New York Islanders, with Jordan Staal playing Indispensable Man yet again.
A goaltending duel that extended beyond regulation. Disallowed goals. Another clutch Jordan Staal marker. Game 1 had just about everything, ending in a 1-0 Canes shutout that gives them home ice advantage: https://t.co/TBCGxEQEJ7
— x – Canes Country (@CanesCountry) April 27, 2019
The San Jose Sharks raced out to the early Pacific Division lead (against a Central Division team) with a 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche.
“It’s not fair to play Joe Thornton against third-liners.” #SJSharks #GoAvsGo https://t.co/hdMTfhRXaw
— Luke (@sanjosesnark) April 27, 2019
Tim Wharnsby posts predictions for a second round in which not a single regular-season champion advanced.
Predictions for the 2nd-round matchups in the East and West https://t.co/7JmK5i2xS3
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) April 27, 2019
And now that all the presumptive Conn Smythe Trophy contenders have been eliminated as well, Jared Clinton picks new ones, from Nathan MacKinnon to – wait for it! – Ben Bishop.
The first round is in the books and some pre-playoff Conn Smythe favorites have been shown the door. @THNJaredClinton looks at the frontrunners from the clubs left standing:https://t.co/ckPkJClF1j
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) April 27, 2019
Did someone say #BishPlease? Wysh is on the case for ESPN.
Jordan Staal just missed the first Conn Smythe Watch. Me thinks his case is being made. https://t.co/SugDaN2J5C
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) April 27, 2019
Greetings From Beautiful Boise
The Idaho Steelheads got off to a rough start in their own Round 2. They dropped Game 1 to the Tulsa Oilers (St. Louis Blues) 3-1.
RECAP: Henrik Samuelsson scored the opening goal, but the Steelheads fell 3-1 to the Oilers in Game 1 of the Mountain Division Final.
DETAILS: https://t.co/fOtNgcRi2W | #PushingOn pic.twitter.com/mOMUfefmvI
— x-Idaho Steelheads (@Steelheads) April 27, 2019
Finally
We might agree to disagree about the team he plays for, but is there any doubt that Joe Thornton is some kind of world heritage treasure that must be preserved? Enjoy.
Joe Thornton became the 24th player in NHL history – and third active skater – to record at least 100 career postseason assists. #NHLStats #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/4FZbExYSZT
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 27, 2019