Dallas Stars Dominate Oilers 8-3; Benn Hits 400 Career Goals

The Dallas Stars secured an impressive 8-3 victory against the Edmonton Oilers on November 14, 2023. The game was highlighted by strong performances from several players, including Nathan Bastian, who netted two goals, and Wyatt Johnston, who contributed a goal and three assists. The Stars quickly established dominance, racing to a four-goal lead in the first period.

Alongside Bastian and Johnston, Jason Robertson added a goal and two assists, while Jamie Benn and Sam Steel each recorded a goal and an assist. The victory marks the Stars’ seventh win in their last nine games, boosting their record to 7-1-1 during this stretch. Benn’s goal also marked a significant milestone; he became the second player in franchise history to score 400 career goals, joining the ranks of Mike Modano, who leads with 557 goals.

The Oilers struggled throughout the match, with goals from Connor Clattenburg, Evan Bouchard, and Jack Roslovic failing to turn the tide. Edmonton has now lost four of its last five games, raising concerns about their performance as they prepare for upcoming matches.

Game Highlights and Key Performances

Dallas jumped out to a commanding lead early in the game. Bastian opened the scoring, and Johnston’s contributions were vital in maintaining the momentum. The Stars overwhelmed the Oilers, with a total of eight goals being scored, showcasing their offensive strength.

In net, Jake Oettinger made 22 saves for Dallas, while Oilers’ goalie Stuart Skinner had a tough outing, managing only four saves on eight shots in the first period before being replaced by Calvin Pickard, who then made 18 saves for the remainder of the game.

Dallas played without forward Mikko Rantanen, who served a one-game suspension after being ejected for boarding in a recent game against Calgary. Rantanen currently leads the league in power-play points with 15, highlighting his absence’s impact on the team.

Clattenburg, who scored his first NHL goal in only his second game, was a bright spot for the Oilers. He was a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and is beginning to make his mark in the league.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, the Stars conclude a four-game road trip, set to face the Seattle Kraken next. Meanwhile, the Oilers will also head to Seattle to play on Saturday, seeking to turn around their recent struggles. The results of these upcoming games will be critical for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of the NHL season.

As the season progresses, the performance of key players like Benn and Johnston will be crucial for the Stars, while the Oilers must regroup to regain their footing in the league standings.