Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn suspended two games for cross-checking Mark Stone
Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) is held back by linesman Brad Kovachik (71) and Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) during the first period of Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Western Conference finals in Dallas, Tuesday, May 23, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn has been suspended two games for a cross-check on Mark Stone in Tuesday night's game that led to a five-minute major penalty and ejection.
The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced the suspension Wednesday. Calling the penalty "an unnecessarily dangerous decision," the department said there was enough force and intent to warrant further punishment.
This means Benn will not be available for Thursday's Game 4 in Dallas and a potential Game 5 in Las Vegas on Saturday.
If Vegas wins Game 4 to clinch the series, he would have to sit out one game to start the 2023-24 regular season.
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The penalty occurred within the first two minutes of Tuesday's Game 3 in Dallas, with the Golden Knights already up 1-0. Benn was ejected and given a game misconduct, and Vegas scored its second goal of the game on the subsequent five-minute power play.
Talking to reporters before the decision from NHL Player Safety was announced, Benn called the cross-check "an unfortunate play."
"Just heat of the moment. ... I need to be more responsible with my body and my stick," he said Wednesday.
In addition, Dallas's Max Domi was fined $5,000 for a slashing penalty Tuesday night, also against Mark Stone.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
