Jamie Benn Disciplined by NHL for Sucker Punch on Mark Scheifele in Game 5 Incident
During a high-stakes Game 5 in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, tensions boiled over between the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets. The game, part of the Central Division Finals, was marked by a particularly aggressive exchange in the third period that ultimately led to disciplinary action against Stars captain Jamie Benn. His conduct on the ice—specifically a sucker punch delivered to Jets forward Mark Scheifele—prompted the NHL’s Department of Player Safety (DoPS) to issue a punishment in accordance with league rules.
With fewer than ten minutes remaining in the third period and Winnipeg holding a 3-0 lead, a scuffle erupted between the two teams. The situation escalated quickly, leading referees to dole out 26 total penalty minutes. In the midst of the chaos, Benn took things a step too far by punching Scheifele directly in the face. This earned Benn a double penalty: a minor for roughing and a 10-minute game misconduct, resulting in his ejection from the match.
The Jets’ Brandon Tanev was also penalized during the same fracas. Like Benn, he received a roughing penalty and a game misconduct, as the referees tried to restore order and prevent further escalation. The intensity of the playoff atmosphere and the frustration of a shutout likely contributed to the eruption of tempers on the ice.
In the aftermath of the altercation, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety conducted a review of the incident. On Friday, May 16, the league officially announced that Jamie Benn would be fined $5,000—the maximum monetary penalty permitted under the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. The decision was publicly released in a formal statement:
> “NEW YORK — Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for roughing Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele late during Game 5 of the teams’ Second Round series in Winnipeg on Thursday, May 15,” the Department of Player Safety stated. “The incident occurred at 13:28 of the third period. Benn was assessed a minor penalty for roughing as well as a 10-minute misconduct. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.”
The Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund is an initiative that supports current and former players and their families in times of need, turning fines like Benn’s into a tool for helping others within the hockey community.
The play drew widespread attention on social media, with video clips circulating quickly. Many fans and analysts debated the severity of the punch, whether the fine was sufficient, and what it means for the league’s standards of conduct during high-stakes games.
Benn, 35, has not had a dominant offensive showing in the postseason this year. Through 12 playoff games, the veteran forward has tallied just three points. However, his physical style of play remains a key component of his game—and a defining element of his leadership role with the Stars. Incidents like this highlight both the intensity and volatility he brings to the ice.
Although the fine doesn’t come with a suspension, it does send a message from the league about acceptable behavior in heated playoff contests. Some critics argue that the punishment isn’t strong enough, considering the deliberate nature of the punch and the potential for injury. Others feel that the financial penalty and in-game ejection were appropriate, particularly given the importance of the postseason and Benn’s leadership role.
The Stars, currently leading the series, will have another opportunity to eliminate the Jets in Game 6, which will take place in Dallas. With a 3-2 series lead, Dallas is one win away from advancing to the next round of the playoffs. However, the Jets are far from out of it. In order to force a decisive Game 7, Winnipeg must overcome their ongoing struggles on the road—they’ve dropped nine consecutive road playoff games, a streak they’ll need to snap if they want to stay alive in the series.
The confrontation between Benn and Scheifele underscores the emotional and physical toll of playoff hockey. These are not just games—they’re battles, and the stakes are sky-high. The fine issued to Benn serves as a reminder that while the intensity is expected, there are still boundaries players must respect, no matter how competitive the atmosphere becomes.
As the series continues, all eyes will be on Game 6 to see how both teams respond. Will Benn return to the ice with a cooler head? Will the Jets channel the incident into motivation? With a potential Game 7 on the line and tensions still simmering, the next matchup promises to be just as dramatic—and possibly just as contentious—as Game 5.
The NHL will certainly be watching closely.
