Khudobin's 'unreal performance' carries Stars in Game 3

Anton Khudobin is showing the world just how good a goalie he can be.
The 34-year-old journeyman has been called into action with an injury to Ben Bishop this season, starting a playoff game for the first time in his career, and has now pushed the Stars into the Western Conference Final with a 10-6-0 record.

FINDING A WAY: [Stars reclaim series lead with wild OT victory over Golden Knights in Game 3]
But on Thursday, Khudobin took it one step further, stopping 38 shots and showing a warrior mentality while seemingly battling soreness or fatigue during a hectic third period. He was clearly the first star in a 3-2 overtime victory for the Stars that gives them a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
"We don't get into overtime without him," Stars interim coach Rick Bowness said. "He made some huge saves, especially on the penalty kill after we challenged, and so give him a lot of credit tonight. We don't win it without his play."
That penalty kill was a turning point in the game. Vegas had just scored a goal to tie the game at the 12:46 mark of the third period. Dallas challenged because goal-scorer Mark Stone appeared to interfere with Khudobin, who complained after the play.

The NHL review went to Toronto, and the decision was that contact was incidental and outside the blue paint, so not only did the goal count, but Dallas was assessed a delay of game penalty for the failed challenge. Vegas then went on a fierce attacking power play and could have seized the lead at the time, but Khudobin was fantastic in stopping six shots. When it was over, he looked exhausted and a bit hobbled.
But he said he was never injured and never thought about coming out of the game.
"No, I am not injured. I am fine," Khudobin said after the game.
Still, he said he thought he was interfered with.
"I guess I was out of my crease," Khudobin said. "That's why it was a goal. That's only what I can tell you. I'm not referee. Coach did what he possibly could to challenge it, but they still count it as a goal, so nothing I can say about it. It's because I think I was out of crease. That's it."

Bowness said the staff felt the decision was right and that that he would do it again.
"We lost it, but that's the gamble you take," Bowness said. "We just saw him knock Dobby's right leg from underneath him and lost his balance, so I know he was a little bit out of the crease, but we saw his skate come in and kick our goalie's feet and knock him out of balance, so it's the right call, if you ask me.
"We'd do it again, absolutely. We're going to protect our goalie."
And Khudobin certainly protected his team after that decision.
"Unreal performance," said Stars captain Jamie Benn.

Benn continues to inspire his teammates

During some challenging times, Benn has been a leader all over the ice for the Stars.
When Andrew Cogliano had to miss Game 7 against Colorado because of an injury, Benn slipped into his place on the checking line and had a big game.
In Game 1 against Vegas, Benn set the tone with physical play and assisted on the only goal in a 1-0 victory.
In Game 3, Bowness put Benn back with Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov, and that trio led the way in a 3-2 overtime victory. Benn had a goal and an assist.
"Inspirational, just watching him on the ice when he's playing that hard and that heavy," Bowness said. "He is one tough son of a gun to play against, and the guys feed off of him, as you see, so give Jamie a lot of credit. When you challenge your veterans, you hope they respond. Someone's got to take it and run. Jamie Benn took the ball today, ran with it, got everyone going."

Bowness said he could tell early on that Benn would have a big game.
"That's why he's our captain, he's our leader," Bowness said. "You come to the rink this morning and you can see the determination in his eyes. He leads the way."
Benn said the team was motivated after getting shut out in a 3-0 Game 2 loss.
"I just feel like after Game 2, probably wasn't our best performance, and as a team, we wanted to come out and play a little better," he said. "I think we still can play better. Give Vegas a lot of credit. They're a tough team to play against. We found a way to get it done."

Notable

Game 4: Stars vs. Golden Knights (Dallas leads 2-1)

Saturday, 7 p.m. CT
TV:NBC, Ch. 5
Radio:The Ticket 96.7-FM, 1310-AM
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika, and listen to his podcast.