Dallas Stars defenseman Joel Hanley (44), goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) and defenseman Thomas Harley (55) celebrate on the ice after the Stars victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Stars will get major boost following Game 5 win over Golden Knights

The Dallas Stars staved off elimination for the second game in a row, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights, 4-2, in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final on Saturday. 

With the win, the Stars cut the series deficit to 3-2 and will get a massive boost as a reward in Game 6 with the return of captain Jamie Benn. 

Benn missed the last two games, serving a suspension for a brutal cross-check against Golden Knights' forward Mark Stone in Game 3. 

Then, the Stars trailed the best-of-seven series 3-0, and it looked as if Benn's actions would cost him and his team. However, the Stars managed to steal Games 4 and 5, setting the stage for Benn to return.  

In Game 5, an unlikely hero in Ty Dellandrea picked the Stars up. With the Stars and Golden Knights tied 2-2 after two periods, a pair of Dellandrea goals, separated by 1:27, pushed the Stars ahead for good. 

Once facing a nearly insurmountable hole, the Stars have life and their captain back. 

Benn's presence alone should give the Stars enough confidence to believe they can complete an incredible comeback. However, Benn's impact on the ice could be a difference-maker. 

The 33-year-old veteran has 11 points (three goals, eight assists) over 16 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He'll be looking for more on Monday when the Stars host the Golden Knights for Game 6, hoping to force a deciding Game 7 in Vegas.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
LeBron James no longer prioritizing playing with Bronny?
Insider provides timeline for 'likely' firing of Darvin Ham
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott shares thoughts on reunion with RB Ezekiel Elliott
Steelers RB discusses wild potential role for Justin Fields
Vikings' J.J. McCarthy wanted one team to draft him
Team Penske driver discusses bouncing back after IndyCar St. Pete disqualification
James Harden sets dreadful playoff record in Game 5 loss
Suns GM faces backlash for bizarre claims about Kevin Durant
Pair of Celtics score 25 points in series-clinching win over Heat
Oilers stars take over in second period to eliminate Kings
Dolphins owner turns down multibillion-dollar offer for control of team
MLB hands out multiple suspensions for Rays-Brewers brawl
Deion Sanders enters social media fray after criticism from former player
Cubs' Shota Imanaga joins impressive club after another incredible outing
Report: Hurricanes pull extension offer for HC Rod Brind'Amour
Knicks legend rips 76ers' Joel Embiid for 'crying too much'
Falcons' Jessie Bates addresses the team's QB conundrum
Mavericks use big third quarter to pull away from Clippers in Game 5
Stars finally win at home, take series lead over Golden Knights
Watch: Stars, Golden Knights trade goals in first period of Game 5