The key point is that Benson is not a one dimensional player at all. Far from it.
As others have pointed out Benson and Marody dominated the AHL as rookies over a whole season. That tells you far more about their skills than the results we see in these two rather meaningless games. In the case of Marody I think there are some legitimate questions about how his game will translate to the NHL. But Benson's game is very much suited to the NHL.
Frankly, Benson showed me a lot of what I was looking for in him during these two games. But what I was not looking for was for him to be some dynamic offensive spark plug. It's not his game, nor will it ever be.
Every year these rookie games are analysed to death. But every year they also prove to be essentially useless in predicting how players will fair at the NHL level. Last time I looked Magnus Paajarvi was still waiting to get that Hart Trophy that they mistakenly inscribed Taylor Hall's name on.
So what is his game though. I always hear these nature of comments. "He won't blow you away, he's not a flashy player, that's not his game, he won't makee highlight reel rushes, that's not his game. He won't burn anybody with speed, not his game. "
WHAT at this level, is his game?
What did you see him do well last night that convinced you that he was doing what you want to see?
I saw him pass it to Flames 3 times last night.
Didn't see any battling hard or level of urgency from Benson last night.
Whereas the Flames forwards were aggressive and fast on the rush I saw Benson slow things down and then get dispossessed of the puck
I don't think I saw Benson win a puck battle all night.
I specifically keyed on Benson, was looking for any indication that he's top rank prospect. I've done the same in the past.
Lastly how is Bensons game more suited to the NHL. I don't see him as a great fit topsix or bottomsix. What niche is he going to carve out.