Sports Illustrated recently conducted a 179-player poll of who were the most underrated players in the NHL. Dallas Stars fans won't be surprised to know that Loui Eriksson and Jamie Benn topped the results. Leading what the Stars hope is a Dallas hockey renaissance, Benn and Eriksson figure to be the Stars' two all-star representatives this season. Eriksson was an all-star in 2011. Benn is tied for 13th in the NHL in scoring this season with 13 goals and 28 assists in 40 games. Eriksson is tied for 19th with 14-24. They currently have the Stars in a playoff position, too, after a 4-1 win over Edmonton in Dallas Saturday.
The duo told the team website that they are fine with the underrated tag. Their coach doesn't think it will last.
He (Benn) is turning 22 and he's just emerging. Loui's got that sneaky, smart way to fly under the radar and be real good just because he's cerebral he does everything real well. But I don't think Bennie will be on that list for too much longer. Bennie's a little more flamboyant. He can hit and he's a power forward. He's got skill. I don't think Bennie will stay on that list and that's a good thing.
Rounding out the top five were Joe Pavelski of the Sharks, Jordan Staal of the Pens and Chris Kelly of the Bruins.