Comments / New

Dallas Stars Daily Links: Jamie Benn and the Hart Trophy Race

Posted on by Melissa Flandreau

Although most of the Hart Trophy debate this season has centered around Braden Holtby and Patrick Kane, Sports Illustrated’s Allan Muir is making the case that Stars captain Jamie Benn should take home the hardware.

​Benn sets the tone for his team with every aspect of his play. He’s a show-not-tell type of captain. When the Stars needs a jolt, he ramps up his physical play (team-leading 146 hits). When a message needs to be sent, he’ll drop the gloves. (He’s fought St. Louis captain David Backes twice in the past year, winning both times according to Hockeyfights.com.) He handles tougher defensive responsibilities than either Kane or Crosby.

And he’s been a remarkably consistent producer, scoring in 54 of Dallas’s 78 games. Benn’s longest scoreless stretch was four games, from Jan. 2-7, and that was one of just four times all season in which he was held without a point in consecutive games.

Muir also mentions Benn’s play following the recent injury to Tyler Seguin.

And he’s doing it all when his team needs him most. The Stars took a big hit earlier this month when Tyler Seguin, then the NHL’s third-leading scorer, was lost for the regular season with a torn Achilles tendon. It was an injury that easily could have hobbled Dallas’ offense and derailed the team’s bid for a division title. Instead, Benn has ramped up his game to meet the challenge. Compare that response to the recent play of Kane, who has one goal and five points over his past 10 games as Chicago’s season slowly unravels.

There’s more on Benn and his chance at winning league MVP at the link. [Sports Illustrated]

—

Today, the Stars and the Kings face off in Los Angeles at 3 p.m. [Stars Inside Edge]

Before the puck drops, catch up on yesterday’s morning skate updates, which included the news that Tyler Seguin will likely begin skating Sunday or Monday. [Stars Inside Edge]

Also from yesterday morning, John Klingberg took a “maintenance day.”

Mike Heika breaks down how Lindy Ruff’s attitude as a player has shaped his career behind the bench. [SportsDayDFW]

Along with the Ducks and the Blues, the Stars have an important decision to make on which goalie they’ll lean on once the playoffs start. [Sports Illustrated]

No jokes here. From the Panthers making the playoffs to the Stars’ ability to score, here are five see it to believe it storylines from the 2015-16 regular season. [The Score]

Jason Demers gave kudos to the Benn brothers after Thursday’s win vs. the Coyotes.

The Blackhawks defeated the Jets 5-4 in overtime last night, but lost Andrew Shaw to an upper-body injury. [Chicago Sun-Times]

Also in the #MDK, the Red Wings beat the Wild, marking Minnesota’s second straight loss. [Hockey Wilderness]

The recent rash of injuries in Anaheim isn’t exactly welcome news to Ducks fans. [Ducks]

Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith received a six-game suspension.

But did Keith’s punishment fit the crime? Adam Gretz is here to tell you how the NHL missed the mark on this one. [CBS Sports]

Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov left last night’s game vs. the Capitals after being hit by Tom Wilson. The game also marked Washington’s franchise-record 55th win of the season. [The Score]

The Capitals may be the first place team in the East, but that doesn’t guarantee them an easy run to the Stanley Cup Final. [The Hockey News]

Sean McIndoe talks concussions, goal calls, and April Fools’ Day pranks in his latest grab bag. [VICE]

The Devils had a little fun yesterday.

These days, NCAA goalies are getting more looks from NHL teams. (Of note—Mike Valley chimes in on the issue.) [NHL]

Relive what happened the last time that Canada didn’t send a single team to the postseason. [NY Times]

Don’t miss this oral history of the “greatest hockey game ever played”—a youth hockey championship match that lasted seven overtimes. [National Post]

And finally, the Bruins beat the Blues 6-5 last night, and Tyler Seguin cheered for his former team.

Talking Points