It happened less than two minutes into the game after Vegas had already taken a 1-0 lead. After taking the puck out of the Stars end, Benn knocked Stone down to the ice with a clean hit. However, Benn took things too far by intentionally falling on top of Stone while driving his stick into Stone's neck area.
The initial penalty call on Benn by the officials was a five minute major for cross-checking. However, after replay review, he was given a game misconduct, resulting in an early night for Benn. This would not be the first time Benn has been ejected from a game for a precarious play. Back in 2020, Benn received a game misconduct for boarding Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Stone was slow to get up from the ugly hit, but stayed in the game.
In all, Benn was tossed from the game after only 42 seconds of ice time. The Stars appeared shell-shocked by the turn of events, as Vegas scored two additional goals in the next six minutes of the game to take a commanding 3-0 lead. As they already have a 2-0 lead in the series, it seems that Benn's selfish play will cost his team dearly.
UPDATE: Benn has received a two-game suspension from the NHL for this play. With the Golden Knights now leading the series 3-0, his season is likely over.
UPDATE:The Stars have won two consecutive games to reduce the series deficit to 3-2, allowing Benn to return for Game 6.
