Unsung hero Sam Steel helps keep Stars unbeaten on home ice in win over Blackhawks

There was no guarantee Sam Steel’s time in Dallas would extend past one season.

The 26-year-old forward signed a one-year deal in free agency in 2023 and became a restricted free agent again on July 1.

But after one year with Steel on the roster, Stars GM Jim Nill and his staff learned the benefit of having a forward with his versatility and inked him to another one-year deal with a $400,000 raise.

That versatility was on display Thursday night, as Steel led all scorers with 2 points in the Stars’ 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Steel, who typically plays on Dallas’ fourth line, was elevated to its second line, which has been its best scoring line this year, to replace injured Mason Marchment. It was a nod to his strong start to the season, as he played left wing alongside Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin and helped that group keep up its scoring streak.

“They’re obviously very talented players,” Steel said postgame. “I thought we did a pretty good job tonight, a lot of o-zone time, and it was nice to just step in with them.”

Just over 11 minutes into the game, Steel broke open the scoring with a wrist shot from the right circle. Midway through the second period, he helped extend the Dallas lead to 2-0, as his shot from the post rebounded to Seguin and resulted in a goal. He finished with four shots on goal.

“He’s a guy that won’t be a fan favorite or most jerseys sold, but does the things that you need to win, blocks shots, kills penalties, and guys in this room and in this organization know how important he is,” Stars goalie Jake Oettinger said. “Seeing him get rewarded with a goal is cool.”

Steel, who is known for being a two-way forward, also contributed to a solid defensive performance in which the Stars allowed just five shots on goal by the halfway point of the game. Steel played 2:29 on the penalty kill, which killed off Chicago’s first three power plays before allowing a goal by Tyler Bertuzzi midway through the third period.

The Stars were unable to score on three power-play opportunities.

Oettinger made 25 total saves. Defenseman Miro Heiskanenen and forward Colin Blackwell also combined for a key defensive save early in the third period.

Logan Stankoven added an empty-netter with under a minute remaining. After a 2-point night, he leads all rookies in points. He played on a line with Wyatt Johnston and captain Jamie Benn, who was a perfect 16-for-16 from the faceoff dot.

The Stars remained perfect on American Airlines Center ice with their only home loss of the year coming in Finland. Dallas has also allowed just six goals in five games at American Airlines Center.

The Stars are still undefeated in division play and against Western Conference teams. They will hit the road to face Winnipeg on Saturday, another division rival with the league’s best record so far.

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