The NHL Department of Player Safety issued its maximum allowable financial penalty to Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn on Wednesday following an illegal cross-checking incident against Minnesota Wild player Ryan Hartman.
The league imposed a $2,604.17 fine on Benn, representing the highest monetary punishment permitted under the current collective bargaining agreement for this type of infraction.
The 36-year-old team captain committed the violation during the closing moments of Tuesday night’s fifth game in their Western Conference opening round playoff matchup, striking Hartman twice with his stick – first targeting the ribs, then making contact with the head area.
Officials assessed Benn a two-minute cross-checking penalty during the game, while Hartman received an unsportsmanlike conduct citation for his role in the incident.
Minnesota claimed a 4-2 victory in Tuesday’s contest, giving the Wild a 3-2 advantage in the seven-game playoff series. The teams will meet for Game 6 on Thursday night in St. Paul, Minnesota.
