Jamie Benn Speaks To The Media On Exit Interview Day
By Josh Clark
Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn spoke to the media this past Monday morning during the Stars’ exit interview day. This was the last day that the media would be able to freely talk to the players and coaching staff until training camp in September.
Here is coverage of Jamie Benn’s entire interview:
On what the emotions are like missing the playoffs between this team:
It’s a tough day. Obviously it came a little too early this year. We didn’t reach our goal of getting to the playoffs and giving ourselves a chance to win the Cup. So it’s definitely a tough day for everyone in here, and we definitely didn’t want to be doing this as early as we are.
How he justifies pulling off a one-point better season than last year and missing the playoffs:
It just goes to show that there are some really good teams in this league and everyone is getting better. We have to find a way to improve our game right at the start of the season next year. I think we got a little behind the eight ball this year and fell too deep into a hole and we couldn’t climb ourselves out of it. We have to find a way early next year to get some points.
On if he knows why they finish seasons stronger than they start them:
I don’t know. This year I think it’s pretty simple. We had a pretty slow start to the year, and like I said it got us behind the eight ball and we couldn’t really get out of it. It just goes to show that we can play defense, and if we do, we have a pretty good record.
On winning the Art Ross Trophy:
It’s pretty cool. Personally, I don’t really get into awards, and I’d much rather win a Stanley Cup with my teammates and celebrate with them instead of winning an award. I have to give my teammates a lot of credit, they helped me out a lot this year and that’s why I had my success.
On winning it in the setting he did:
It’s something I’ll never forget. I think I told you guys before that game that I was on a pretty good point streak and my teammates were giving me a hard time. It came down to those last two minutes and I was ready to get it done.
On how close he thinks the team is to being Stanley Cup ready:
We are close. I think it’s fair to say that we can beat any team in this league. That’s why it is so tough being here today. We should be in the playoffs and we can beat every team in the playoffs. That’s what makes it tough.
On what tweaks he think should be made to the team:
It’s not much. Every player needs to be accountable in this room and playing good team defense. Little adjustments to our game that could take us to the next level.
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On if he is more comfortable in each passing year as captain:
Yeah. I think I said it before that I’ve never been uncomfortable being a captain. It is something I really wanted last year and was fortunate enough to get and I’m really honored to have it. I’ve got a great group of guys in here. I enjoy coming to the rink everyday and spending time with them and putting in hard work. I’m going to enjoy it for the next couple of years here too.
On changing the play for next season:
We definitely had a slow start this year, me personally and as a group. That’s definitely something we want to change for next year. We need to be ready to go at game one and a strong start makes a big difference in the NHL.
On how to do that:
It’s all of us in here. We need to adjust our games a bit. We really need to get down the system right away next year and come together and play good team defense.
On the rumors of a possible injury (we now know that he messed up his hip early on and it carried through the year):
Nope. I was healthy all year and played a full 82-game season. That’s it.
On his plans for the offseason:
Well, I don’t really know yet. I can’t be gone for quite a while, cause I like you guys so much. I may stop in with the stations here every once in a while. But I’m just going to get some down time, relax, and not do too much.
We will have complete coverage of the exit interview day as the week goes on and into next week! Make sure to check back to Blackout Dallas for more player interviews as we make them accessible!
Next: Jordie Benn: A Year in Review
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