Jamie Benn, captain of the Dallas Stars, has come under fire from fans. In Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild, he cross-checked Ryan Hartman, and now fans want to see Benn suspended.
The Minnesota Wild took a 3–2 lead in the series against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. They now have a chance to close out the tight series at home on Thursday in Game 6.
READ MORE: Jamie Benn criticized for hit on Matt Boldy
Minnesota Wild win agains the Stars
The 4–2 road victory came with a lot of help from superstar Kirill Kaprizov. He registered assists on the first two goals and then scored the 4–2 goal himself with just two minutes left in the third period.
“I think when we play a tight, connected five-man unit, we’re usually at our best. I thought we were responsible, paid strong attention to detail, and got some key saves when we needed them. It’s another game where we can continue to build and get better. You just focus day to day,” Minnesota coach John Hynes told reporters after the game.
Jamie Benn cross-checking
But much of the buzz after the game surrounded Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn.
During a play in the third period, Jamie Benn and Stars forward Ryan Hartman had a heated exchange. In a video now going viral among hockey fans, Hartman hit Benn in the face with his glove. Benn then delivered two hard cross-checks—one to the back and one to Hartman’s head. Hartman received a two-minute penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, while Benn got two minutes for cross-checking. However, fans are now saying that Jamie Benn should face a suspension for the second cross-check.
Fans are furious
“That’s gotta be a suspension, but it won’t be. The NHL doesn’t protect players,” one fan wrote on X.
“Come on, NHL, where’s the player safety for that? An instant suspension is the only answer,” another wrote.
“NHL fans of 31 teams unite in their hatred of that POS! He should be suspended again, and with his history of douchebaggery, it should be at least five games,” a third wrote.
You can watch the incident below.
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