Gretzky visits Stars Lican Room after series clinch game 6

“He said we are now competing against a pretty good team,” said captain Jamie Benn. “I had to ask him who he was cheering for. It really felt. He didn’t answer.”

Ha. Of course not.

“Did he say something?” Said Deboer. “What if I would tell you that he was hoping that Dallas would win? Do you think that would be headlines in Edmonton?”

Deboer laughed.

“He would never say that and I would never bring him to this place,” said Deboer. “But he was very respectful towards our group and the job that we had done until then. I think we all understand his loyalty to Edmonton and appreciate that, so he never went beyond. But it was great to see him.”

Gretzky had seen the game with the star owner Tom Gaglardi. Cameras caught a few interactions with players in the changing room.

“Don’t worry about goals,” said Gretzky to Benn. “You play unreal.”

“I’m just a checker,” said Benn with a big grin.

“That’s okay,” said Gretzky. “It is important.”

Benn has a goal in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but brings many other elements.

“Everything your team needs to win and what role it may be,” said Benn. “It is this time of year to make victims. As long as you win games, that’s the most important thing.”

Gretzky introduced himself to the Stars Center Wyatt Johnston.

“You are such a good player,” said Gretzky. “I always said it to my brother. He didn’t pull you. You chose another man about you and I always give him (a difficult time). You are a good player.”