
Chicago’s Ben Smith (28) sees his shot slip past the post in a recent game with Vancouver. (Photo courtesy Chicago Blackhawks)
DALLAS – It tied the record for the longest shootout in Chicago Blackhawks’ history.
And Avon’s Ben Smith ended it on Friday night. Smith’s goal in the 11th round of a shootout lifted the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks to their fifth straight win, a 2-1 decision over the Dallas Stars.
In the first 10 rounds of the shootout, only Chicago’s Patrick Sharp and Dallas’ Rich Peverley had goals. Sharp’s goal with 7:21 left in the third period tied the game at 1-1. Smith’s goal was a wrist shot over the glove of Dallas goalie Kari Lehtonen.
Smith is playing right wing for the Hawks (19-4-4), who lead the NHL’s Central Division. In 19 games, Smith has three goals and five assists with 8 points. So far this season, he has won 15 of 32 faceoffs and has 16 blocked shots.
Gerry deSimas, Jr., is the editor and founder of The Collinsville Press. He is an award-winning writer and has been covering sports in Connecticut and New England for more than 40 years. He was inducted into the New England High School Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018.

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