DALLAS — In Game 3, Stars captain Jamie Benn later said it was “the heat of the moment” that led to his game misconduct penalty and eventual two-game suspension.
There should be plenty of heat for his return to the ice in Game 6 against the Vegas Golden Knights, begging the question from a reporter on Monday morning: “Do you think you’ll have to control yourself from getting too overhyped?”
Benn’s response, with a slight smirk: “Probably.”
Stars coach Pete DeBoer said Monday that he’s not worried about Benn channeling his energy.
“Listen, what happened with Jamie, it’s not like he’s a suspension a month guy,” DeBoer said. “He plays a physical, clean game all the time. He crossed the line one night. It’s a non-issue. He’s done it his whole career. I don’t think it’s fair to paint him with that brush based on one incident. He’s always been a clean, physical, intimidating player, and he’s going to jump right back into that.”
Benn was fortunate that the opportunity to play his next game will be Monday in a 3-2 series against Vegas, instead of next season.
Benn’s cross-check penalty happened just minutes into what turned out to be a 4-0 loss in Game 3 for the Stars, putting Dallas in an unenviable 3-0 hole. Benn didn’t apologize for the play when he spoke about it the next morning, calling it an “unfortunate play.”
Without Benn, Dallas won back-to-back games, including its first overtime win of the postseason in Game 4.
After Benn’s penalty, the Stars skaters not only supported their captain, but said they were using his suspension as motivation. They wanted to give Benn the chance to play in this series once again.
“Obviously I didn’t want the season to end on that note,” Benn said, adding that he prayed it wouldn’t. “So I’m looking forward to tonight.”
Benn’s return means that one player in the lineup the previous two games will be a healthy scratch. One option is Fredrik Olofsson, who hadn’t played in nearly two months but played well in both Game 4 and 5. Another potential option is Ty Dellandrea, who scored two goals in the third period on Saturday to break a 2-2 tie and extend the series.
DeBoer said that would be a game-time decision. He was even asked about the hypothetical of Benn being on the same line as longtime teammate Tyler Seguin. DeBoer was coy.
“Hypotheticals … you guys can talk about that in the lunchroom if it happens,” he said.
What isn’t a hypothetical is Benn returning. He said he’s feeling fresher after two games off. He watched Game 4 and 5 with the video crew, giving him another perspective. There were benefits to it, but Benn made it clear what being away meant.
“It sucks watching, especially during the playoffs,” Benn said. “The guys played two great games and battled back into this series, so I’m looking forward to a big one tonight.
One that promises moments filled with plenty of heat.