Jets Dominate Game 5 as Jamie Benn’s Controversial Punch Sparks NHL Debate
The 2025 Presidents’ Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets showcased their dominance in Game 5 of their playoff series against the Dallas Stars, defeating the visitors 4-0 at the Canada Life Centre. With goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopping all 22 shots faced, Winnipeg staved off elimination and pushed the series to Game 6. While Dallas failed to score, it was a moment of frustration from Stars captain Jamie Benn that drew league-wide attention.
The Dallas Stars entered Game 5 with a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and were hoping to close things out. Despite Jake Oettinger’s impressive 31-save performance, the Stars were outplayed and shut down completely by a motivated Jets team. Mark Scheifele opened the scoring for Winnipeg in the second period with a fortunate deflection off two Dallas players.
Jamie Benn might be getting a call tomorrow!!
— Empty Netters (@EmptyNettersPod) May 16, 2025
As tensions escalated late in the third period, Jamie Benn struck Scheifele with a punch during a scrum, which not only floored the Jets forward but also took down an NHL linesman attempting to intervene. The hit earned Benn a 10-minute misconduct penalty and sparked widespread speculation about further disciplinary action. According to hockey commentators, including a post by Empty Netters, Benn may be facing a suspension for his actions.
In the aftermath, Dallas head coach Pete DeBoer addressed the incident, downplaying it by attributing it to the emotional nature of playoff hockey. He emphasized that rivalries intensify when teams face off repeatedly, suggesting that some level of aggression is expected.
Still, the NHL’s code of conduct differs from that sentiment. The league allows fines up to 50% of a player’s daily salary, with a maximum of $10,000 for a first-time offense and $15,000 for repeat violations within a 12-month span. Since Benn hasn’t had any recent disciplinary issues in the playoffs, he might only face a fine, though a suspension remains on the table, especially since an official was involved in the altercation.
Looking ahead to Game 6, set to be played at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, the Jets face a daunting challenge. Their road record in the postseason stands at a disappointing 0-5, raising questions about whether they can extend the series to a Game 7.
To complicate matters further, the Stars recently welcomed back key defenseman Miro Heiskanen after a lengthy injury layoff that kept him out for 32 regular season and 10 playoff games. Additionally, standout performances from Dallas players like Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund continue to pose threats to Winnipeg’s postseason aspirations.
As the series grows more intense, all eyes will be on Jamie Benn’s status for Game 6 and how the Jets adjust to potentially facing a full-strength Dallas lineup in their own building. Winnipeg’s resilience in Game 5 may have sparked momentum, but their performance on the road will ultimately determine if their playoff run continues.