The young Owen Power chose the best moment to score his first goal of the season, Monday in Dallas. He threaded the needle in overtime in a 3-2 Buffalo Sabers win over the Stars.
Power, the first overall pick in the 2021 draft, was tipped as a hot favorite in the Calder Trophy race heading into the campaign. We can’t say that he wowed the gallery by amassing 16 assists in his first 42 duels, but he already spends an average of nearly 24 minutes on the ice per game, at the age of 20.
In the duel of the day, the former University of Michigan hit the post at the start of the extra period. Tage Thompson, however, gave him a second chance a few moments later, serving him a superb backhand delivery. Power did not miss his shot and demystified Jake Oettinger with a powerful one-timer throw.
Thompson also had an assist on his team’s second goal, scored by Victor Olofsson. This brings the total of the giant format striker to 63 points in 46 small games.
Rasmus Dahlin also hit the mark in the win. This is his 14th success of the season, which allows him to come within a goal of his compatriot Erik Karlsson and the top of the circuit among defenders.
Jamie Benn and Jason Robertson replied for the Stars. Veteran Joe Pavelski had two assists in the loss.