The Dallas Stars’ 0-2 deficit in the Western Conference Finals did not get any easier to overcome when captain Jamie Benn was dismissed from Game 3 for cross-checking Mark Stone during the first period of Tuesday’s game.
With the Stars already trailing thanks to an early tally from Jonathan Marchessault, Benn and Stone became tied up along the boards when the Vegas captain fell to the ice. Benn cross-checked Stone in the face and received a major penalty and game misconduct for his actions.
Ivan Barbashev extended the Golden Knight’s lead to 2-0 on the ensuing power play before William Carrier deposited a backhand shot over Jake Oettinger to chase the Stars goalie.
Oettinger’s third hook of the postseason further damaged the morale of a team already missing its captain, and after falling behind 3-0 after just eight minutes, the Stars find their season hanging on by a thread.
The Stars will need to claim their first comeback win of the playoffs behind 30-year-old backup Scott Wedgewood if they are to avoid a 3-0 hole in the series.
Marchessault now has five goals in his last five games and brought his playoff total to seven goals and 13 points in 14 games after a period. Deadline acquisition Barbashev also has enjoyed a stellar postseason; after his two first-period points, he has 12 during these playoffs.
Dallas trails 4-0 at home in the third period and could lose Benn for the foreseeable future.
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