Dallas Stars’ Jamie Benn faces potential suspension after hit on Vegas Golden Knights’ Mark Stone

Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn faces a potential suspension after an ugly hit on Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone during Game 3 of the Western Conference Final. The hit left Dallas on the brink of being swept out of the conference. Benn spoke of his regret, saying he wishes he didn’t use his stick as a landing point and that he needs to be more responsible with his body and stick. 

After the two captains collided on the ice, Benn received a game misconduct for cross-checking Stone. After Stone fell to the ice, Benn lunged forward with both hands on his stick, which made contact near Stone’s neck as he was sliding over the center line. Vegas went on to score on the ensuing power play, doubling their lead and winning the game 4-0, taking a 3-0 series lead.

Game 4 takes place on Thursday night, and the Golden Knights could advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in the franchise’s six seasons. Dallas coach Pete DeBoer says the team is preparing for the possibility that Benn might not be available for the game, which they must win to extend their season.

The game was fraught with penalties and debris being thrown onto the ice, with Dallas forward Evgenii Dadonov leaving with a lower-body injury in the first period. The Stars could also be without Dadonov for Game 4. Max Domi also got a 10-minute misconduct at the end of the second period and was fined $5,000 by the NHL for slashing Stone in the closing minutes.

Dallas Stars president Brad Alberts issued an apology to the Golden Knights and the Stars for “the actions of a few of our spectators at last night’s game. Their actions were unacceptable and put the safety of the players and fans at risk.”

Credit: apnews.com

ENND