The Dallas Stars will be playing for pride Tuesday after they were eliminated from contention for a berth in the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs when the St. Louis Blues defeated the Arizona Coyotes on Monday. "We kind of know where we're at, so it isn't a sudden blow or anything like that," center Jason Spezza said. "It's been a disappointing year, it's been a frustrating year, it's been a year that we're definitely not proud of." Center Jamie Benn agreed. "We haven't played up to par this year with the group that we have in here," the Dallas captain said. "It's unacceptable that we didn't make the playoffs this year, and especially that we couldn't build off a good year last year." Benn will face his older brother, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jordie Benn, for the first time since the Stars traded the elder Benn on Feb. 27. "I think it'll really be different," coach Lindy Ruff said. "I know they're really good friends. … I think it might be a little emotional for both of them." Defenseman Greg Pateryn will face Montreal for the first time since he was traded to Dallas along with a fourth-round draft pick for Jordie Benn. "Obviously I knew when we were coming here and everything, but we had a lot of games before this, so that was something I was focusing on more," Pateryn said. Dallas is 3-0-1 in its past four games following a 2-1 overtime win at the New Jersey Devils on Sunday.
