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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Beginning of the Benn-d?

The Stars captain missed his first game since December 2021.

Posted on by George Delanjian
Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Last night, Dallas Stars head coach Pete DeBoer sat Jamie Benn in what he called “maintenance.” Normally, this wouldn’t garner attention but two things:

  1. Benn is seeking to score his 400th goal in what could be (but likely not) be his final season.
  2. Benn has played in the last 371 games, which was the fifth-longest active streak of consecutive games played according to Dallas Morning News producer, Kellen Bulger.

Could Benn’s absence last night be due to injury, illness or personal reasons? Of course (and probably is). However, leaving no stone unturned and shifting focus down another avenue, could this be the first occurrence of what will be the “new normal” beginning next season, where occasional DNPs and a (further) reduction in minutes is to be expected? With Benn turning 36 this offseason, that’s a reasonable possibility, but to the point above, he has been the definition of durable and still has a positive effect on the ice, so to me, this comes as bit of a surprise. Remember, the Stars are still playing for the number one seed in the West to avoid a projected matchup with the Colorado Avalanche.

If this is indeed the “new normal”, what could that mean for the Stars and Benn’s relationship? For all we know, he may be completely okay with this approach, thus making this write-up pointless. On the contrary, if it is something he doesn’t agree with, it could entice him to look elsewhere this offseason for a bigger payday and more playing time.

I really hope none of this is true, but this approach with Benn isn’t normal either, so it’s natural to speculate for us die hard fans.

Share your thoughts below. Would love to hear what your takes are!

Source: Dallas Morning News

Stars Stuff

Can the Stars make it eight straight against Pittsburgh tomorrow? They are currently tied for their longest winning streak this season.

Still pinching myself that he’s actually on the Stars:

Dudeeeee…

The other 50+ win seasons were: 1998-1999, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2015-2016 & 2023-2024

Around The Central

We have two Central Division foes taking the ice tonight:

  • The Chicago Blackhawks take a trip to the nation’s capital to face Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals as his quest to become the all-time leading goal scorer continues.
  • The Minnesota Wild take a trip to Long Island to shave some ice with the New York Islanders. This is a big game for Minnesota who is looking to secure one of the wild card spots.

In other Central Division news:

Aside from clinching a playoff spot last night, the Colorado Avalanche had this to celebrate:

You would think the Stars have the longest winning streak in the league. Think again:

The World of Chel

Too busy streaking after last night’s win? Here is what you missed:

Finally

This is awesome.

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