Benn Dismisses Injury Concerns, Remains Focused

Dec 17, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Dallas Stars center Jamie Benn (14) vs the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

It has been an up and down season for the Dallas Stars so far. Just passed the half-way marker of the 2014-2015 season, the Stars are locked in the heat of a playoff chase for one of two Western conference wild card spots. They sit four points behind 8th place Vancouver and seven points behind tonight’s opponent, the Winnipeg Jets.

The peaks and valleys of Stars players such as Kari Lehtonen, Jason Spezza, Ales Hemsky, and Jordie Benn have been well documented this season. Lehtonen played fairly poorly for the first 20+ games of the season, found his groove for the following 10 games, and has since returned to his porous netminding style.

Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky were brought in last off-season to try and provide some secondary scoring behind Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. While Hemsky started off the season terribly, Spezza was racking up points playing alongside the Bennguin. However, as of recently Hemsky has turned things around (5 goals in his last 8 games) while Spezza has hit a rough patch (1 goal in last 13 games).

Jordie Benn has been the whipping boy for most of the season on the back end. He was making some terrible decisions while in his own end early in the season which led to a couple healthy scratches. As of recently, the eldest Benn has turned his play around and found a consistent spot in the lineup alongside newcomer Jason Demers.

Another notable player who has struggled but not received much attention is captain Jamie Benn. Benn is second on the team with 36 points in 42 games and is often counted on to do the intangible things to help his team win each night. That must be why he was being given a break when the lashings were going around for the inconsistent play of certain players on the team. By looking at Benn’s numbers right now, you could say he is having a pretty consistent season (12 goals, 24 assists in 42 GP). However, when you dig deeper you will find the leader of the team has also had his struggles throughout (Currently has 2 goals in his past 11 games).

When head coach Lindy Ruff was asked about the inconsistent offensive production of his captain he quickly defended him citing a nagging, chronic injury that has been plaguing Benn all season. In fact, Benn was held out of Monday’s practice and listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game with this so-called “chronic injury”.

However, when Benn was interviewed by Stars beat reporter Mike Heika about the injury, he wasn’t interested in using it as an excuse for his inconsistent play.

Heika: Lindy said you had a chronic type injury, has that bothered you this season?

Benn: “Me? I’m fine. No, not at all.”

Benn also made note that his inconsistent offensive play isn’t his primary concern if the team is winning and he is finding a way to contribute.

Heika: How do you feel about your numbers this year?

Benn: “I look more at the wins and the goals the team has scored. It’s nice to contribute and have numbers, but in the end, it’s all about the team and how many wins we have. If we’re winning, then I just want to help contribute to that.”

In the end, the captain may be struggling but he refuses to let his personal play come before the team. This is a very encouraging sign that shows the increased maturity Benn has developed since being named captain last season.

If the Stars are to make some noise in the second half of the season and find a way into the playoffs, look for No.14 to be leading the way. Whether that means putting the puck in the back of the net or doing the silent deeds that lead to success, Benn will assuredly be leading the charge.

You can catch Mike Heika’s full chat with Benn here.