The Dallas Stars face a potential Game 4 sweep at home, and they’ll do it without their team captain.
Forward Jamie Benn has been suspended two games, according to the NHL, for his cross-checking on Las Vegas Golden Knights forward Mark Stone in their Game 3 loss in Dallas on Tuesday night, the NBA announced Wednesday. Player Safety Department.
Dallas and Vegas were just getting going in Game 3 when the Benn situation unfolded.
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Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars is penalized for a 5-minute major and game misconduct for a cross penalty against Mark Stone #61 of the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period in Game Three of the NBA Finals. Western Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs 2023 at the American Airlines Center on May 23, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Unsurprisingly, the Golden Knights were not happy with Benn’s actions, and the referees quickly handed him a major penalty and took him off the ice.
«It is important to note that Benn is in control of this play at all times and makes the decision to send a forceful cross check to a prone player,» the NHL said. «This is simply an unnecessary decision by Benn, and he delivers with enough intent and strength to warrant additional discipline.»
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Benn took responsibility for the play which he said was in the «heat of the moment.»
«That was my first turn of a home game, when you’re pretty excited and you’re down 1-0,» he said, via ESPN. «So you want to try to make your game work. Emotions are running high and it’s just an unfortunate play. I put my team in a tough spot, so it’s pretty unfortunate.»
Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars exchanges words against Brayden McNabb #3 of the Vegas Golden Knights in game three of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoff Conference Finals at the American Airlines Center on May 23, 2023 in Dallas, Texas . (Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
Stone said it «didn’t feel right» and «I think he was a little surprised» given that it was his first turn of the game.
ESPN reported, citing a source, that Benn was believed to have intended to injure Stone in the «dangerous» play, which reached an opponent in a prone position.
We’ve seen minor suspensions in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year, including one on Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who intentionally sliced Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl’s arm in Game 4 of their game. second round series.
Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars hits against Mark Stone #61 of the Vegas Golden Knights in game three of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoff conference finals at the American Airlines Center on May 23, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
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If the Stars are defeated in Game 4 on Friday night, Benn will have to serve the last game of his suspension on Opening Night of the 2023-24 regular season.