The Dallas Stars are looking to their captain for leadership following his recent return to the ice. Jamie Benn has faced a challenging season after undergoing surgery due to a collapsed lung. He was sidelined for the first 19 games but made his comeback on Tuesday in a closely contested matchup against the New York Islanders.
Game Recap: Stars vs. Islanders
In his season debut, Benn played just under 10 minutes in a game that ended in a 3-2 defeat for the Stars. Despite the loss, the team showed renewed hope with Benn’s performance.
Benn’s Return Highlights
- Benn recorded four hits and one shot on goal.
- He won 3 out of 5 faceoffs.
- Initially played on a line with Radek Faksa and Colin Blackwell.
- Later shifted to play alongside Wyatt Johnston and Rantanen.
Head Coach Glen Gulutzan expressed satisfaction with Benn’s performance, stating, “I thought it was a good first game for him.” Gulutzan praised Benn’s physical play and hockey IQ, indicating confidence in his capacity to regain form quickly.
Team Response to Benn’s Absence
While Benn was recovering, his teammates stepped up their game. Forward Tyler Seguin noted that observing Benn’s commitment during recovery was inspirational, emphasizing his work ethic on and off the ice. “It was incredible. He looks like he didn’t miss a beat,” Seguin remarked.
Moreover, forward Jason Robertson highlighted the impact of having Benn back. “He’s our leader, and whenever you have that injected into your lineup, it’s certainly an advantage for us,” he stated.
Benn acknowledged the team’s performance in his absence, saying, “A lot of compete. I thought the guys played great while I was watching.” The Stars are optimistic as they prepare for upcoming games, especially with their captain back on the ice.
