Wild's Vanek taking benching like a pro
The Minnesota Wild are bigger than Thomas Vanek. And Vanek knows it.
Vanek will be a healthy scratch again Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks, as the Wild continue on their quest to make the playoffs. The 32-year-old forward watched from the press box Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes, despite being third on the team in goals (18) and fourth in points (41).
Vanek hasn't talked to Torch: "We're trying to win games and if that's what he thinks is the best lineup, I've got to respect that" #mnwild
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) March 20, 2016
"Am I happy about it? Of course not," Vanek added, according to the Star Tribune's Michael Russo. "I still feel like I can make a difference in this league. I'm not going to get frustrated here or be negative. I'll just work hard and wait for my chance ... and make a difference."
Vanek started the season strong, with 19 points in his first 22 games. He scored only four goals in 27 games in December and January, and has only four goals and eight assists in 21 games since the All-Star break.
The Austrian's under contract through next season at a cap hit of $6.5 million.