Dallas Stars’ Jamie Benn to have hearing for cross-checking Vegas Golden Knights’ Mark Stone in Game 3

The Dallas Stars melted down on home ice in a pivotal loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final Tuesday night, falling behind 3-0 before the game was even eight minutes old. And none lost their composure more than Stars captain Jamie Benn.

Not even two minutes into Game 3, with Dallas trailing 1-0, Benn was engaging with Golden Knights captain Mark Stone. As Benn knocked Stone to the ice, Stone appeared to swing his stick up high while falling, and Benn took exception. He loomed over Stone for a moment before pile-driving a cross check into Stone’s jaw and throat area:

Benn was given a five-minute major for cross-checking and a game misconduct. On the ensuing five-minute power play, the Golden Knights scored again to go up 2-0.

On Wednesday morning, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced that Benn will have a hearing for the cross-check.

Benn, 33, has never been suspended by the DOPS, but he has earned multiple fines in his career. He was fined $10,000 for cross-checking in 2013. Benn was fined twice in the opening round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, once for a high-stick and once for a trip. He isn’t considered an official repeat offender because he hasn’t been suspended in the past 18 months, but his recent run-ins will still be considered by the league when reviewing his history.

If the DOPS decides a suspension is warranted for Benn’s behavior Tuesday, his recent fines could thus still work against him and influence the punishment. Working in his favor is the fact Stone wasn’t injured on the play and stayed in the game.

After Game 3, Golden Knights left winger Jonathan Marchessault called Benn’s cross-check “disgusting.” Benn did not speak to media after the game.

Game 4 goes down Thursday in Dallas, with the Stars looking to avoid a sweep.