Two members of the Dallas Stars' contingent in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics fared well in their respective Olympic debuts on Thursday.
Stars captain Jamie Benn scored a goal late in the second period of Canada's 3-1 win over Norway. Benn also drew a penalty on Canada's first goal earlier in the period which came from defenseman Shea Weber.
Benn, who is wearing No. 22 for Canada, scored his first Olympic goal with 4:41 remaining in the second when he flicked a wrister from the left faceoff circle that beat Norway goaltender Lars Haugen, who plays in Russia's KHL, top shelf on the short side.
His goal, which came after a nice cross-ice pass from Patrice Bergeron, gave Canada a 2-0 lead. Benn is one of seven NHL captains skating for the Canadians.
Dallas rookie winger Valeri Nichushkin also found the back of the canvas in his Olympic debut, scoring the fourth goal for Russia in a 5-2 win over Slovenia earlier on Thursday.
Nichuskin showcased his trademark speed in dashing up the right side of the ice before scoring what could be the first of many goals in his Olympic career for Russia with his tally early in the final period.
The third member of the Stars' Olympic contingent, starting goaltender Kari Lehtonen, did not play for Finland in their 8-4 win over Austria early Thursday morning.
Tuukka Rask got the nod in net for Finland and with Antti Niemi expected to start against Norway on Friday, Lehtonen's chance figures to come on Sunday against Canada, the final game of round robin play.
