So far the past two seasons, the duo has been less than dynamic, as Seguin has battled injuries and Benn has seen a sharp decline in production. But if recent games are any indication, then maybe the second line could see a resurgence just in time for a run to the playoffs.
The duo has joined with newcomer Marián Studenič in recent games and helped lead the Stars to a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday. The trio combined for 14 shots on goal and two tallies, and Seguin had a Corsi For percentage of 82 percent, creating 29 shots attempts for while he was on the ice to just six shot attempts against. Both Benn and Studenic were above 74 percent, so it shows just how much they dominated possession.
Bottom line, it was a really nice example of what they can do.
"That was our best line," Stars coach Rick Bowness said. "Marian was really good, and that's probably one of Seggy's best two-way games of the year. He competed hard at both ends. It was our best line. They were really good."
Adding Studenic might be the key. The 23-year-old who was picked up on waivers from New Jersey in February adds a little speed, and he and Seguin seemed to develop chemistry pretty quickly. Benn and Seguin have had a strong history with Alexander Radulov a couple of years back, but they just haven't clicked this year.
So, Bowness and the coaches have juggled things, and tried Benn at center on a different line.
But if you're putting things together on paper, having the top line of Roope Hintz with Joe Pavelski and Jason Robertson, followed by a Benn-Seguin combination, followed by the checking line of Radek Faksa with Michael Raffl and Luke Glendening makes sense. The fourth line can then be a combination of the remaining forwards, and things would make a good deal of sense.
But Benn and Seguin have to click.
"It's great when you can roll four lines like that and click well," Seguin said after the win Tuesday.
Studenic was a big part of the "click." He's a smart player with solid skill who's a fountain of energy.
"He skates really well with the puck, and he makes plays at top speed," Bowness said. "A lot of guys get going full speed and they slow up to make a play, Marian doesn't. He's fearless. You see him go to the net with cuts in like that. When we picked him up, we were told he's a great skater and he's got good speed. That's very evident. His poise with the puck is very evident, he doesn't throw it away, he hangs on and goes to the net. He's an easier guy to play with."
Studenic hasn't been in the playoffs since his days in junior hockey in 2018, so he said he's excited about the opportunity he's getting in Dallas. And playing with Benn and Seguin? Well, that's pretty nice too.
"I really appreciate the chance when I have an opportunity to play with them because they're both great players," Studenic said. "It makes it easier for me because they've been in the league for so long, so it'll help me out, for sure."
If this line sticks, things could fall together for the Stars. And if players like Vladislav Namestnikov continue to become more comfortable, then maybe they can take a plan from paper to ice.
Asked if the current lineup can be a solution, Bowness said: "We're going to stay with it, and hopefully, it's the answer."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.
