The past decade in sports has had many memorable moments, some happy and some heartbreaking. The Stars are no different.
But, it is better to focus and remember the happy times than the negative, especially during these times. So it is a good time to revisit some of the best moments of the past five years of Dallas Stars hockey.
This list is by no means a ranking of the moments nor is it a totally comprehensive one, so be sure to tell us your favorite moments.
Jamie Benn Wins Art Ross // April 11, 2015
Individual awards are something that many of the Stars veterans will never brag about or talk about while they still chase Lord Stanley’s Cup. But on April 11, 2015, Jamie Benn won the Art Ross, leading point-getter in the NHL, in the most dramatic way possible. Benn scored a goal and recorded an assist in the final 1:05 to steal the crown from John Tavares.
Cody Eakin and Trevor Daley were instrumental in sealing that final point for the Captain, two players who got to help make history and will be remembered even though they both have since moved on.
The full game is on YouTube in case you want to relive a glorious night where a young Jamie Benn made Dallas Stars history. Hindsight makes this game sweeter because it came at the expense of the Predators.
THAT Radek Faksa Goal // March 2, 2017
Arguably one of the most used gifs by Stars fans, it is impossible to not include this goal on a list of most memorable moments. The gif was too large to include, unfortunately, but the board slide to dodge a check and finishing it off with a sweet shot is still one of the best goals scored by a Dallas Star.
It was a disappointing season overall, but the display of skill by Faksa truly helped fans smile through the pain for at least one night.
Khudobin 49 Save Night // December 27, 2018
Going into Nashville is never an easy task. Raucous fans and a hostile environment that many teams struggle to win in. Dallas had already proven they could hang with the Preds earlier in the season despite having 3 AHL Defensemen playing back in Dallas, so that gave a healthier Stars team some confidence. But no one could expect Dallas would come away with a road shutout win in Nashville while only putting up 20 shots on net.
Tyler Pitlick and Mattias Janmark were the goal scorers, but the real hero of the night was Khudobin. A 49 save heroic performance that was not talked about nearly enough on the national stage and is still neglected by the national media, but par for the course since he plays in Dallas. Dobby has provided many memorable moments during his time with Dallas and fans can only hope there are more to come.
Winter Classic Comeback // January 1, 2020
Another one that is sure to make any Dallas Stars memorable list has to include the first outdoor NHL game in the State of Texas. The game certainly didn’t start off ideally, with the Stars trailing 2-0, but how it ended was vintage Dallas Stars. Overcoming the 2-0 deficit to defeat the Nashville Predators 4-2. The sound of the stadium erupting when Alexander Radulov scored his goal to make it 3-2 Stars is still bone tingling.
While there are elements of the game that weren’t perfect, it is still one of the most memorable moments in Dallas Stars history. The record-breaking attendance and the Stars mounting their comeback in the 3rd period after some Blink-182 made the atmosphere surreal and hopefully, the NHL returns to Dallas with more signature events.
Dave Strader Returns // February 18, 2017
While this list is not a ranking, this is personally the most memorable and most touching moment in perhaps all of Dallas Stars history, but at least recent memory. It was a game that featured not one, but two comebacks. The Dallas Stars managed to comeback against the Tampa Bay Lightning thanks to an Antoine Roussel hat trick and a Jamie Benn overtime winner. But more importantly, Dave Strader returned to the booth to call a game. It wouldn’t be the only one Dave would get to call that season, but it was the most memorable.
After the Stars rallied to win 4-3 in overtime, Jamie Benn and the rest of the Dallas Stars gathered at center ice and raised their sticks in salute to Dave and his ongoing battle with cancer. While Dave would eventually succumb to his disease, he never was defeated by it. He fought and lived courageously and is a continual inspiration to people across and beyond the hockey community. The record books will only show that a game was played and the Stars on that night, but it meant so much more to everyone. The game does not seem to be available on youtube, but here are some highlights from that game.
During trying times, it is good to revisit times that bring joy or happiness to your heart. It is important to try and keep your spirits high and not only check on your friends and loved ones, but also yourself. Hopefully reminiscing about these moments as well as your personal favorites will help lift your spirits.
Sports will hopefully return soon so the Stars and other Dallas sports teams can help make some new memories with all the fans.
Featured Image: Glenn James / NHLI via Getty Images
