Stars will get major boost following win over Knights

Dallas Stars defenseman Joel Hanley (44), goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) and defenseman Thomas Harley (55) celebrate on the ice after the Stars victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Stars will get major boost following Game 5 win over Golden Knights

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 5/28/23

The Dallas Stars staved off elimination for the second game in a row, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights, 4-2, in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final on Saturday.

With the win, the Stars cut the series deficit to 3-2 and will get a massive boost as a reward in Game 6 with the return of captain Jamie Benn.

Jamie Benn daps up his teammates as they head into the locker room.

The Stars get their captain back for Game 6 in Dallas.#TexasHockey @wfaa pic.twitter.com/HkLsClJoy9
— Jonah Javad (@JonahJavad) May 28, 2023

Benn missed the last two games, serving a suspension for a brutal cross-check against Golden Knights' forward Mark Stone in Game 3.

Then, the Stars trailed the best-of-seven series 3-0, and it looked as if Benn's actions would cost him and his team. However, the Stars managed to steal Games 4 and 5, setting the stage for Benn to return.

In Game 5, an unlikely hero in Ty Dellandrea picked the Stars up. With the Stars and Golden Knights tied 2-2 after two periods, a pair of Dellandrea goals, separated by 1:27, pushed the Stars ahead for good.

TWO FOR TY! ✌️ #StanleyCup

Ty Dellandrea pots two goals 1:27 apart and the @DallasStars have a two-goal lead!

: @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/KeTPXCHBO3
: @Sportsnet ➡️ https://t.co/jmzb7Y5sqs pic.twitter.com/SD5LI34oR3
— NHL (@NHL) May 28, 2023

Once facing a nearly insurmountable hole, the Stars have life and their captain back.

Benn's presence alone should give the Stars enough confidence to believe they can complete an incredible comeback. However, Benn's impact on the ice could be a difference-maker.

The 33-year-old veteran has 11 points (three goals, eight assists) over 16 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He'll be looking for more on Monday when the Stars host the Golden Knights for Game 6, hoping to force a deciding Game 7 in Vegas.

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