Long road trips test teams’ mentality during each hockey season. The Stars just returned home from their longest of the season going 4-2-0. This road trip proved the Stars are ready for the playoffs. Only 11 games remain after the Tuesday game against the Seattle Kraken. The finish line is in sight but the Stars’ season likely won’t end after 82 games. One player that clawed his way through the depths is Stars captain Jamie Benn. Benn is having a major comeback year, already far surpassing his point total last season. The Stars have a greater than 99% chance of qualifying for the playoffs and he is a big reason why.
Road Trip
The recent six-game road trip exceeded expectations. It could have gone worse but a 4-2-0 record is acceptable. The Stars walloped the Sabres with double digit goals in Buffalo. That 10-4 victory was a fun affair that got the road trip off to a good start. Two more overtime wins on the trip temporarily bit the past-regulation bug until they came home.
The Resurgence of Benn
Stars captain Jamie Benn is having a much better season compared to that of years past. He has already eclipsed his 46 points last season with 70 points this year. His re-emerging prowess was in the spotlight for his 3-point night against the Kraken on Tuesday. His dramatic 30th goal of the season erupted the fan base when he scored with less than a second left to tie the game. Benn is having his best season since 2018 when he recorded 36 goals and 79 points. He is on pace to surpass that point number.
Benn is 2nd on the team in points behind Jason Robertson. He is providing veteran leadership to other players on the team. It’s also worth noting that Robertson tied his goal mark for last season at 41. His next goal will be the 2nd most in team history since the move to Dallas.
Push for the Playoffs
The fight for the Central Division is in full swing with the Minnesota Wild tied with the Stars in points. The Avalanche are two points behind with two games in hand. It’s anyone’s division crown at this point. The Stars cannot leave points on the table. The last-minute loss to Calgary and other similar losses could prove disastrous to the division title hopes. Qualifying for the playoffs is almost a certainty but the home-ice advantage is not. These last 11 games will determine where and who the Stars play in the 1st Round.
Jamie Benn is actively seeking his first Stanley Cup. His best season in years is propelling the Stars into playoff contention. These next few games are important to determine where they finish on the season. The playoffs are around the corner so get ready for heart-pounding action.
Photo Credit: Dallas Stars Twitter
