All Talk, No Walk Jamie Benn Refuses to Drop Gloves vs MN Wild

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Jamie Benn - Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars
Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Tonight, the Minnesota Wild will try to knock the Dallas Stars out of the playoffs and advance in the NHL Playoffs for the first time in over a decade. Unfortunately, they’ll have to do so without defenseman Jonas Brodin, after he took a puck to the lower-leg in Game 5.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars have their own set of lineup questions to deal with. Out is Tyler Myers, whose high elbow to the face of Mats Zuccarello in Game 1 forced Kirill Kaprizov’s best friend to miss games two, three and four, before finally returning on .

Dallas Stars shuffling lineup before Game 6 vs MN Wild

Replacing Myers in the lineup is Michael Bunting, who will play on the third line, alongside Jamie Benn and Justin Hryckowian, who has apparently been demoted from the Stars first line in Game 5, down to the third line in Game 6.

Latest Injury News: MN Wild Make Game 6 Decision on Jonas Brodin

Speaking of our favorite Dallas Stars forward, Jamie Benn. The 36-year-old was “disciplined” by the league for trying to cross-check MN Wild forward Ryan Hartman in the side of the head, which thankfully didn’t lead to the team’s third head injury of the series.

The craziest part of the exchange between Benn and Hartman? That the Wild forward received a matching two-minute penalty, in the moment. But instead of coming down hard on Benn, for his egregious hit after the fact, the league instead assessed a fine worth just over $2,000.

Of course, none of this is a surprise to Minnesota Wild fans. For whatever reason, Benn seems beloved by the NHL world to everyone who follows the game outside of the State of Hockey. But here, we know better.

Jamie Benn refusing to fight Wild players, despite offerings

What’s even funnier? For all the talking and flopping Benn has done through the first five game of this series, he’s apparently been refusing to drop the gloves on multiple occasions, when challenged by MN Wild players.

At least, that’s what Marcus Foligno told Paul Allen on KFAN Radio Thursday morning at Tria Rink in St. Paul. And if he doesn’t want to settle disputes like a man, don’t expect the Wild to stoop to Benn’s level.

If he’s pulling his usual antics, the Minnesota Wild have the Stars right where they want them. Because a quick peek at the numbers tell us the real value Jamie Benn brings for Dallas, when he can’t agitate the opponent, which is 0 goals and 0 assists (-5) in the first five games of this series.

“Yeah, listen, he doesn’t want to fight. We’ve asked him numerous times. So, we know that for sure. And it’s tough, we have guys that have been hit by Benn or roughed up, but same goes for their star players.”

“But our physicality is true physicality… and it’s wearing on them. We see that. We’re trying to win a game and if they want to be the team that’s thinking about the dirty plays, I think we’ve got them right where we want them.”

Marcus Foligno – KFAN Radio
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