Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn suspended two games for cross-checking Mark Stone

Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn has been served a two-game suspension by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for his cross-check of Vegas Golden Knights forward Mark Stone at the 18:18 mark of the first period in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final.

Benn was assessed a five-minute major for cross-checking on the play, and Ivan Barbashev would eventually go on to score on the power play to double the Golden Knights lead to 2-0 – they won the game 4-0 to take a 3-0 series lead. Benn refused to speak to the media following the game.

Dallas’ Jamie Benn has been suspended for two games for Cross-checking against Vegas’ Mark Stone. https://t.co/YBf8qihuCh

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) May 24, 2023

The NHL's Department of Player Safety explained the decision in this video, citing that it is a clear cross-check and also bringing up Benn's four suspensions over the course of his lengthy career.

With Dallas facing elimination in Game 4 on Thursday, the final game of this suspension could carry over into the 2023-24 regular season, barring a win to force Game 5 against Vegas.