Seguin: Olympic experience was 'huge' for Benn

The enthusiasm from Dallas Stars burgeoning virtuoso Tyler Seguin almost jumps off the page reading any of his interviews this season, and the latest offering from ESPN.com is no different.

Seguin, who was named first star in the NHL Monday, shared how well things have come together as far as his on-ice partnership with Jamie Benn. Seguin has also had a first-hand view of how Sochi impacted his linemate.

"I think that chemistry is just going to continue to grow," Seguin said of Benn. "Since Day 1, we became good friends off the ice. We definitely are two competitive guys and push each other a little bit. He hasn't experienced playoff games but going to the Olympics and winning that gold medal was huge for him and he saw how he could handle that kind of pressure on that stage. He's gained confidence from that and he's been great since he's been back."

Seguin on the acquisition of Tim Thomas, an even bigger deal now that Kari Lehtonen has been sidelined with a concussion:

"Timmy has maybe the weirdest goaltending style in the league, but I've had a front-row seat and seen what he can do in a big-time game with everything on the line," Seguin said of his former Bruins teammate. "He's a true competitor, loves the game, and he works really hard. I was really happy with his acquisition. Good on Jim to get a goalie like Tim."

Source: Pierre LeBrun, ESPN.com