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Stars clinch final Western Conference playoff spot

Dallas Stars v St. Louis Blues

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 11: Valeri Nichushkin #43 of the Dallas Stars controls the puck against Patrik Berglund #21 of the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center on March 11, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Dilip Vishwanat

All the Dallas Stars needed against the St. Louis Blues on Friday was a win. It didn’t matter the fashion, just two points and they’d be off to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Stars clinched the final post-season position in the Western Conference with a 3-0 win over the struggling Blues. The Stars are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2008, as they wrap up the second Wild Card position.

It’s been a while.

Jamie Benn, the club’s captain, led the way offensively with a pair of assists, including the helper on the winner scored by Trevor Daley just before the six-minute mark of the second period, which Dallas completely took over.

At the other end, Kari Lehtonen wasn’t overly busy, but unbeatable nonetheless, turning aside all 22 shots he faced.

The Dallas victory eliminated the Phoenix Coyotes from playoff contention.

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