Jamie Benn has huge night, Puts Stars up 3-0 in Rockford

Jamie Benn led the way in Game 3 of the AHL West Division Semifinal as the Stars Rookie had 2 goals and 2 assists to help the Stars to a big 6-1 win over the Rockford Icehogs to move them to a 3-0 series lead and on the verge of the team's first ever playoff series victory.

Other players that had big nights included Mathieau Beadoin, plus Dan Jancevski and Aaron Gagon who each had two assists in the game.

Brent Krahn has contained his great showing with making 26 of 27 saves as his string of giving up 1 goal has continued throughout the playoffs.

Ben Smith had Rockford's only goal & Corey Crawford was pulled after the 2nd intermission. The Stars are looking to end the Icehogs season on Friday Night in Game 4 of the 1st Round Series.

From the Texas Stars Website: http://www.texasstarshockey.com/

From Rockford, Illinois: The Stars defeated the Rockford Icehogs 6-1 on Wednesday Night in front of 3232 fans at the Rockford Metro Center. The Stars now lead the best of 7 series 3-0. Texas forward Jamie Benn scored twice and added two assists, helping the Stars move within 1 win of the 2nd Round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Stars Goalie Brent Krahn stopped 26 of 27 Rockford Shots in the win.

Rockford Goalie Corey Crawford made 16 saves on 21 shots in two periods of play. Forwards Travis Morin and Aaron Gagnon, as well as defensemen Dan Jancevski, each added two assists as the Stars improved to 9-2-0 against Rockford this season. Texas will remain in Rockford for Game 4 on Friday April 23 at 7:05 PM.

After 19:35 of scoreless hockey, the Texas Stars took a 1-0 lead on a power-play goal by defensemen Garrett Stafford. The Stars worked the puck off a faceoff to the right point and Stafford unleashed a that found the back of the net and gave Texas a 1-0 lead with 25 seconds remaining in the 1st period. Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson and center Jamie Benn each had an assist on the play.

Texas exploded for four goals in the middle frame, starting with Jamie Benn's 2nd goal of the playoffs and his 1st on the night. Benn snapped a shot from the left wing, beating goalie Corey Crawford for the 2-0 Texas Lead at 1:26 into the middle period. Captain Landon Wilson made it 3-0 Texas at 12:14 of the third period with his first goal of the playoffs.

Forward Travis Morin set up the Stars captain lead to 4-0 just 3 minutes later. Rallo scored off a rebound in front of the Rockford net for his first goal of the playoffs. Benn snagged his 2nd goal of the night, putting in a rebound on his own shot at 19:34, giving the Stars a 5-0 lead through two periods of play.

In the third period, Rockford Spoiled Brent Krahn's shutout bid, scoring 5:47 into the final period. Rookie Ben Smith put in a rebound and cut the Texas lead to 5-1. The Stars extended their lead back to five goals as Mathieu Beaudoin buried a one-timer at 8:23, scoring his first goal of the playoffs in the 6-1 win

Texas Stars VS. Rockford Icehogs Schedule

Game 1: Rockford 1 Texas 2

Game 2: Rockford 1 Texas 3

Game 3: Texas 6 Rockford 1

Game 4, 4/23: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 5, 4/24: @ Rockford 7:05 PM*

Game 6, 4/26: @ Texas 7:30 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Texas 7:30 PM*

*If Necessary

The Series remains in Rockford for Game 4, as well as Game 5 if necessary. Game 4 will be on April 23 starting at 7:05 PM. The Series would return to Cedar Park Center For Games 6 & 7 if needed. All Games can be heard on the Stars Flagship station ESPN Austin 104.9 FM and 1530 AM.

To Purchase a Calder Cup Package, which offers fans the same seat for all 16 possible home games, fans may call 512-GO-STARS. To rent a suite for a home playoff game or to book a group, those interested may 51-GO-STARS. Single Game Tickets for playoff games at Cedar Park Center also can be purchased by calling Ticket Master at 1-800-745-3000, visiting any TicketMaster outlet or by going online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/


Texas Stars Lead Series 3-0

Game Boxscore

Texas Stars 6 Rockford Icehogs 1 (1-0, 4-0, 1-1)

1-0 TEX: Garrett Stafford (PP) (Hutchinson, Benn) 19:35 1st

2-0 TEX: Jamie Benn (Gagon) 1:26 2nd

3-0 TEX: Landon Wilson (Morin, Jancevski) 12:14 2nd

4-0 TEX: Greg Rallo (PP) (Benn, Gagnon) 15:14 2nd

5-0 TEX: Jamie Benn (Jancevski, Fortunus) 19:34 2nd

5-1 RFD: Ben Smith (Kearns, Klinkhammer) 5:47 3rd

6-1 TEX: Mathieu Beaudoin (Lindgren, Morin) 8:23 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: TEX 26 RFD 27

PP: TEX 2/4 RFD 0/3

Goalies: TEX Brent Krahn 26 SVS on 27 Shots RFD Corey Crawford 16 SVS on 21 Shots Hannu Toivonen 4 SVS on 5 Shots

PIM: TEX 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties RFD 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties

ATT: 3232

3rd Star: Aaron Gagon (TEX)

2nd Star: Brent Krahn (TEX)

1st Star: Jamie Benn (TEX)