Avon’s Ben Smith wins it for Blackhawks in shootout
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.