Eaves, Benn Score Big As Stars Rout Ducks, 4-0
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Eaves scored two goals and Jordie Benn added his first goal in three months, leading the Dallas Stars to a 4-0 victory over the playoff-bound Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night.
Jhonas Enroth made 19 saves in his fifth career shutout for the Stars, and Vernon Fiddler opened the scoring in three-goal second period of the Stars' eighth victory in their past nine road games.
Jamie Benn had three assists to pull even with Sidney Crosby and John Tavares atop the NHL scoring race for the Stars, who will miss the postseason despite winning 13 of their past 18 games.
Frederik Andersen stopped 28 shots for the Pacific Division champion Ducks, who wasted their first chance to lock up home-ice advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs with a victory.
Benn's third three-point performance in the past four games gave him 19 points in the past 11 games overall, surging into the race for his first scoring title. Benn, Crosby and Tavares all have 83 points apiece.
The Ducks scratched Ryan Getzlaf for the second straight game, preferring to rest their captain and leading scorer for the postseason despite their light recent schedule. The New York Rangers passed the Ducks and secured the Presidents' Trophy while Anaheim spent the past four days resting and practicing.
Anaheim's loss gives hope to the St. Louis Blues, who remained two points behind the Ducks heading into their game against Chicago on Thursday. The Ducks still can win the West with a non-shootout victory in their season finale at Arizona on Saturday, however.
Enroth was barely tested in his first shutout since Dec. 9. The Ducks were shut out for just the second time in their past 42 games since Dec. 31, and they've lost consecutive home games in regulation for just the second time all season.
After a scoreless first period, Anaheim defenseman Clayton Stoner made an egregious turnover at the blue line that eventually turned into Fiddler's 13th goal.
Jordie Benn connected with a long shot through traffic for just his second goal in 72 games this season and his first since Jan. 4. Jamie Benn earned an assist on a goal by his brother for the first time in their NHL careers.
Eaves got his 13th goal during a power play moments later, and Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau called a timeout to tear into his team for another lackluster second period. Despite their lofty record and year-long success, the Ducks have been outscored by a combined 97-73 in the middle period.
NOTES: Dallas finishes the season at home Saturday against Nashville. ... Before the game, the Ducks activated Tim Jackman from injured reserve and sent Stefan Noesen back to the AHL. Jackman, a rugged checking forward, had missed the past 16 games with a lower-body injury. ... Matt Beleskey and Stoner also returned from three-game injury absences. ... Dallas' Valeri Nichushkin played his third game since early November after missing most of the season following hip surgery. D Patrik Nemeth, who missed 4 1/2 months with an arm injury, returned from a two-game absence.
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