Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn received a match penalty in Game 3 on Tuesday night, leading to his ejection from the game and a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Wednesday. The incident occurred just 1 minute and 53 seconds into the game, with Benn cross-checking Vegas captain Mark Stone around the jaw while he was on the ice. Benn stated that it was a “heat of the moment” play and that he needed to be more responsible with his body and stick.
Benn expressed his regret for his actions and acknowledged that he put his team in a tough situation. He stated that emotions were high and that he was trying to get his game going after falling behind 1-0 early in the first period. Stone, who was surprised by the incident, stated that he felt okay to get up after hearing the ref’s concern for his well-being.
Benn believed that he fell on Stone and that he did not intend to take a five-minute penalty. However, he acknowledged that he needed to use his stick as the landing point instead of falling on Stone. Benn will go through the whole play with the department of player safety and explain how he was feeling and what was going on in that situation.
The on-ice officials gave Benn a match penalty for cross-checking, and they reviewed the play on a tablet near the penalty boxes and determined it was a correct call. Per NHL Rule 59, a cross-checking match penalty can be assessed if the referee believes a player “attempted to or deliberately injured his opponent by cross-checking.” Vegas scored on the ensuing power play and again at 7:10 of the first period, chasing Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger after he faced just five shots.
Dallas coach Peter DeBoer acknowledged that Benn made a mistake and that he did not intend to hurt Stone. He stated that Benn was emotionally devastated by his own actions and that he was a leader on the team. Benn’s Dallas teammates also offered support for their captain, with forward Tyler Seguin stating that there was “zero” frustration with him in the Stars’ locker room.
Benn was relieved that Stone was not injured on the play and agreed with DeBoer about being emotionally devastated by his actions. He acknowledged that his team was down 0-2 in the series and 1-0 in the game, and that he put them on a five-minute penalty kill, which made him feel terrible.
Jamie Benn received a match penalty in Game 3 and took responsibility for his actions. He apologized for putting his team in a tough situation and acknowledged that he needed to be more responsible with his body and stick. The incident was reviewed by the department of player safety, and Benn will explain how he was feeling and what was going on in that situation. His coach and teammates offered support for him and acknowledged that he was a leader on the team. Benn was emotionally devastated by his actions and apologized for putting his team on a five-minute penalty kill. Game 4 will be played on Thursday night in Dallas.
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