Jamie Benn is one of the best players in the NHL. The year is 2022. Yes, you read that right.
The Dallas Stars handled the New York Islanders on Saturday night in front of a raucous hometown crowd in the American Airlines Center 5-2 behind another herculean effort from captain Jamie Benn. While we can go down the list and point out all of the accolades from Saturday night, it’s hard not to focus on Benn, who has made himself known once again to opposing teams with a stellar pace as of late.
Benn had become the focus of ire from a large portion of the Stars fan base over the last few seasons, having some even question his wearing of the “C” on his chest. Thanks to a scorching hot November and new life under head coach Pete Deboer, Benn has hushed the neigh-sayers and solidified himself as the captain of the Stars once again.
In 2015 Benn won the Art Ross Trophy with 87 points. If Benn continues on this pace, he is en route to a 91-point season and arguably one of the best seasons of his career. The normally quiet Benn has become one of the loudest on the ice, and his demeanor on the bench shows that he is having a blast doing it. Smiling almost every time the camera catches him on the bench between shifts, Jamie Benn looks to be having the time of his life with the Stars, who are one of the top teams in the NHL after eighteen games into the season.
On Saturday night, Benn led the Stars with three points (1G,2A). The Stars handled the Islanders in a heated battle that saw both teams making statements throughout the first two periods of play. Islanders star Mathew Barzal added two tallies of his own continuing an impressive season of his own as he currently has 21 points (2G,19A). Barzal’s efforts weren’t enough to power past the Stars, who received help from some usual characters as well as unlikely helpers. Jason Robertson, Mason Marchment, and Radek Faksa, all added goals to the scoreboard before Jani Hakanpaa solidified the win with an empty net goal.
The Stars continue their homestand on Monday night against reigning Stanley Cup Champions Colorado Avalanche, who are currently trailing the Stars in the Central by 3 points. The Stars sit at the top of the Central with 24 points and have scored 71 times so far this season, the next closest in goals for…the Avalanche. Buckle up for what is sure to be a banger of a Monday night. (Did I say that correctly? Is that what all the kids are saying these days?)
The Morning Skate 