Chicago, Ill. (WGR 550) – Zach Benson has one more game to play before the Buffalo Sabres have to make a decision on whether to keep him in the NHL for the season, or send him back to juniors.
Benson has played two games since returning from injury and played very well, picking up assists in both of them. The rookie is well aware of the situation he’s in, but it's not something he thinks about, because there’s a game to play on Wednesday.
"It is what it is, honestly. It’s another game in my head, and I want to do whatever I can to help this team win," said Benson following Tuesday's practice.
"Obviously it’s the ninth game and we all know how the rules work with the CHL and the NHL. It’s really just outside noise, and in my mind, it’s just another game."
It’s obvious Benson played a few games trying to play through injury. There was a big difference in his play against the Winnipeg Jets and the Chicago Blackhawks.
"I was dealing with a lower-body injury that was not letting me skate at my best," Benson said. "But now I feel 110%, and I’m just back to my game. High motor, non-stop, move my feet, making plays, and try to get the puck back as much as I can."
The question now becomes, has Benson done enough to convince general manager Kevyn Adams that he should stay in the NHL for the rest of the season? As far as if he’s done all he can, Benson feels there's always more that can be done.
"You can always get better, so I’ve been soaking up all the information," he said. "I learn from guys around me, and I feel like I’m getting better day-by-day."
Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin set Benson up all alone on top of the crease in Chicago on Sunday, but the 18-year-old couldn’t get it by Blackhawks goalie Petr Mrazek. Benson immediately kept going and a few seconds later, set up Dahlin for a goal.
"Obviously you want to put that one in, but I think it was good on our whole line," Benson said. "We had a couple of good chances there that we didn’t capitalize on, but I kept in pursuit and kept going, and we finally got one."
Benson has played with Casey Mittelstadt and JJ Peterka over the past two games, and he is amazed by his center.
"[Casey]’s unbelievable," Benson said. "Great player, a special talent, and one of the best playmakers in the National Hockey League. It’s been a blast, honestly."
Jack Quinn did a rehab skate before practice on Tuesday. Sabres head coach Don Granato says every day has been encouraging with him, but he is still a ways away.
TUESDAY’S LINES:
Forwards:
Skinner – Cozens – Tuch
Benson – Mittelstadt – Peterka
Greenway – Jost – Olofsson
Girgensons – Krebs – Okposo
Defense:
Dahlin - Samuelsson
Power - R. Johnson
Clifton - E. Johnson
Bryson - Jokiharju
