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Tabatha Patterson
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Jamie Benn Makes History, Winning Stars’ First Art Ross Trophy
Saturday night was fan appreciation night at the American Airlines Center, and Jamie Benn is not one to disappoint. In a 4-1 stunner over the Nashville Predators, Benn scored his second career hat trick and an assist, overtaking John Tavares for the Art Ross scoring title.
[Related: No “Selfie with Seguin” in Stars Finale]
Helping the Stars take the night’s first lead, Jamie Benn scored off a give-and-go from Cody Eakin in the first period, tying Tavares and Sidney Crosby at 84 points.
Klingberg Shoots, Jamie Benn Deflects Power Play Goal
When Filip Forsberg netted the equalizer, Viktor Stalberg went to the box for tripping, giving Dallas a quick and well-utilized power play. After mere seconds on the man-advantage, Jamie Benn scored a deflection off John Klingberg’s shot, taking the Art Ross score to 85.
Later in the evening, John Tavares scored two points in a 5-4 loss to the Blue Jackets, taking an early lead in the NHL scoring race. Sidney Crosby then fell to third after failing to post points in the Penguins 2-0 shutout versus the Sabres.
Benn Takes Double Shift to Score Hat Trick
The race was tight as the Stars and Predators went scoreless in the second frame. Benn’s chance at the trophy appeared slim until the Predators pulled goaltender, Carter Hutton, with a one-goal deficit, and two minutes left in the final period.
Pushing through the final minutes, Jamie Benn hoped on the ice, replacing Shawn Horcoff. With an empty net, former Star, Mike Ribeiro turned over the puck, allowing Jamie Benn to score a long-range, hat trick goal on the yawning net.
Cody Eakin Invaluable in Art Ross Trophy Win
Tied in overall points, Tavares still held the Art Ross title, having scored more goals than Benn.
With only nine seconds left in the third period, the Stars worked the puck down ice with Hutton back in net. Benn held the zone, tapping the puck to Daley who shot a juicy rebound off Hutton. Cody Eakin then crashed the net, sending Daley’s rebound in blocker side to earn Jamie Benn the second assist, and a scoring title of historic proportions.
No Doubt Remains Regarding Jamie Benn’s “Elite” Status
In the past two seasons, Benn made Canada’s tight Olympic roster without an orientation camp invitation, scored a game winner to hold Canada in the race, led his team to their first 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs in five years, and won the first Art Ross Trophy in Dallas Stars History.
(Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
At the season’s close, Jamie Benn was also awarded a new trophy introduced by the Stars organization in the 2013-2014 season; the Mike Modano Trophy. As the Stars’ regular season leader in points, Jamie Benn is the first to win the trophy created in honor of Modano’s legacy.
Despite following in the Hall of Famer’s footsteps, Jamie Benn is striking his own path on the way to NHL legend. Addressing the fans in the Stars’ final 2014-15 appearance, Jamie Benn apologized for a “disappointing” season, promising to come back next year for a chance at the Cup. Thanking fans and season ticket holders for their support, Benn never addressed the scoring title, placing his priority squarely on the club’s effort to bring a Stanley Cup back to the cheering Dallas fans.
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