Jamie Benn delivered when it mattered most - again.
With just 22.8 seconds left in regulation, the Stars captain buried his second goal of the night, sealing a thrilling 5-4 win over the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday at American Airlines Center. It was a fitting exclamation point to a wild, back-and-forth game that saw momentum swing like a pendulum and ended with Dallas riding high into the Winter Olympic break on a six-game winning streak.
Let’s break this one down.
First Period: Fast Start, Faster Answers
St. Louis came out with energy, and it showed early.
Pavel Buchnevich opened the scoring, and after Jason Robertson answered with his 32nd goal of the season - a number that just keeps climbing - Jordan Kyrou put the Blues back in front before the first intermission. The Blues led 2-1 after twenty minutes, capitalizing on quick transitions and a few early lapses in the Stars’ defensive zone coverage.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about this Dallas team, it’s that they know how to respond.
Second Period: The Stars Strike Back
The middle frame belonged to Dallas. Matt Duchene got things rolling with a goal that showcased his veteran poise, tying the game and shifting the tone.
Then came Mavrik Bourque - the young forward making the most of his minutes - who gave the Stars their first lead of the night. And just when the Blues looked like they might settle in, Benn struck for his first of the night, extending the lead to 4-2 and putting Dallas in the driver’s seat heading into the third.
It was a textbook second period from the Stars: aggressive forecheck, crisp passing, and a commitment to getting pucks on net. They tilted the ice, and it paid off.
Third Period: Blues Battle Back
To their credit, the Blues didn’t fold. Jimmy Snuggerud and Alexey Toropchenko each found the back of the net in the third, erasing Dallas’ two-goal cushion and knotting the game at 4-4. Suddenly, the Stars were on their heels, and the building held its breath.
But this is where leadership shows up - and Jamie Benn has worn that “C” for a reason.
The Captain Closes It
With the clock winding down and overtime looming, Benn stepped up. He found space, took the opportunity, and delivered the dagger with under 30 seconds left.
It wasn’t just a clutch goal - it was the kind of moment that defines a season. Benn’s second of the night not only secured the win but also marked the third straight time the Stars have beaten the Blues on a last-minute game-winner.
That’s more than a trend - that’s a team with a flair for the dramatic.
What’s Next
Now, Dallas heads into a three-week Winter Olympic break riding a wave of momentum. Six straight wins, a captain playing inspired hockey, and a roster that’s clicking at every level - this is a Stars team that’s starting to look like a serious contender.
And with the postseason push looming on the other side of the break, they’re heating up at just the right time.