We all love hockey violence, but this was completely uncalled for.
In Tuesday night’s Game 3 of the Western Conference Final between the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights, the boys from Big D were absolutely atrocious to start things out — which was made even worse by the fact that the Stars were already down 2-0 in the series coming into the contest.
Well, Dallas captain Jamie Benn was frustrated about everything that had already unfolded just 1:53 into the game and ended up lashing out by violently cross-checking Vegas captain Mark Stone‘s neck. Benn was immediately ejected.
The Golden Knights got to business quickly, taking a 1-0 lead just 1:11 into the contest after Jonathan Marchessault scored a goal. Moments later, Benn slammed Stone to the ice with a check, and then while on his back, Benn violently drove his stick into Stone’s neck.
Major penalty and game misconduct for Jamie Benn after he cross-checked Mark Stone in the face#TexasHockey | #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/JaRtg6YJPQ
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) May 24, 2023
I get that Jamie Benn was frustrated, but this was just outright dumb, and I thought this guy was supposed to be the captain of the team.
A little bit too hot-headed for that, if you ask me. I’m just sayin’.
And what a selfish move as a teammate. I mean, dang, the Dallas Stars were already down 0-2 in this series, and then in Game 3, you’re facing a quick 0-1 deficit, and you respond by violently cross-checking someone to further hurt your team? (RELATED: Florida Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky Breaks 63-Year-Old Record For Most Saves In First 3 Games Of Conference Final)
I hope it was worth it for Benn because from where I’m looking, it wasn’t.
Terrible, just terrible. But whatever, I’m all for the Knights winning. (I want my dream Vegas-Miami scenario)