Jamie Benn’s punch may have made headlines, but the Winnipeg Jets’ performance in Game 5 was the real story
Their dominance, both physically and mentally, turned the tide in the series and set up a must-watch Game 6 in Dallas. Whether Benn plays or not, the Stars will need a better response if they hope to avoid a Game 7 showdown.
In the end, playoff hockey is about who can keep their cool, capitalize on chances, and rise above the chaos. Game 6 will test both teams — and it could very well define their seasons.
Game 5 was more than just a win for the Winnipeg Jets—it was a statement. With their backs against the wall, they played their most complete game of the series.
The leadership of Scheifele, the scoring brilliance of Ehlers, and the wall-like presence of Hellebuyck all combined to give the Jets a lifeline.
Whether it leads to a series comeback remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Jets are not going quietly.
Game 6 promises to be a thriller, and if Winnipeg can harness the same energy and precision, they might just complete the comeback and rewrite the narrative.
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Jamie Benn Ejected After Punching Mark Scheifele
The Stanley Cup Playoffs always bring heightened emotions and physical battles, but Game 5 between the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets took things to another level.1
With just under seven minutes left in regulation and the Jets holding a commanding 3-0 lead, the situation turned volatile.
Jamie Benn, the Stars’ captain, was ejected following a heated altercation with Jets forward Mark Scheifele — a moment that has quickly become one of the most talked-about events of this postseason.
Loved talking about the Team @Rogers Community Draft program, register your kids for their chance to be drafted! https://t.co/GSREi8z8Bk
— mark scheifele (@markscheifele55) December 8, 2021
The Incident: Tensions Boil Over
The critical moment unfolded in front of the Dallas Stars bench. As the Jets continued their dominant performance, frustration was clearly mounting for the home side.
Scheifele, who had already been involved in the scoring, skated near the Stars’ bench when words were exchanged with Benn.
Though referees tried to intervene, things escalated quickly. In the chaos, Benn threw a heavy left punch that connected flush with Scheifele’s face, sending him to the ice.
One of the referees, who was trying to separate the two, also fell — dragged down while holding Scheifele’s jersey.
This wasn’t just a minor scuffle; it was an explosive moment that underscored the Stars’ unraveling under pressure.
Mark Scheifele: Immediate Repercussions
Multiple Penalties Issued
At 13:28 of the third period, the officials responded decisively. Benn, Scheifele, and Jets forward Brandon Tanev were all called for roughing.2
In addition, both Benn and Tanev received 10-minute misconducts for their roles in the melee.
Surprisingly, the result of all this was a two-minute power play for Dallas, a twist that confused fans but aligned with the final assessment of penalties.
Despite the numerical advantage, the Stars couldn’t capitalize, reflecting the general theme of the night — they were outplayed in every aspect.
Gino Hard Reacts: Social Media Erupts
The incident quickly circulated on social media.
Hockey influencer Gino Hard captured the moment in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“JAMIE BENN DROPPED MARK SCHEIFELE IN THE MIDDLE OF A SCRUM 😱👊”
Fans, analysts, and former players chimed in. While some praised Benn’s passion, many criticized his lack of discipline, especially with the game slipping away.
The punch became an instant viral highlight, fueling debates about aggression, leadership, and playoff hockey’s fine line between intensity and recklessness.
Jets Dominate: Hellebuyck Records Second Shutout
While the brawl dominated headlines, the Jets’ performance deserves recognition. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was in elite form, stopping all 27 shots he faced en route to his second shutout of the series.
His calm presence between the pipes kept the Stars at bay and frustrated Dallas shooters throughout the night.
The Jets struck first when Scheifele opened the scoring, giving his team an early advantage and adding to his strong postseason tally.
Nikolaj Ehlers contributed with two goals, showcasing his offensive flair, while Vladislav Namestnikov added insurance with a fourth goal. By the time the final whistle blew, it was a statement win for Winnipeg.
Scheifele Shines: A Pillar in Winnipeg’s Postseason Push
- Mark Scheifele has long been a crucial part of the Jets’ offensive identity, and his performance in this series continues to show why.
- With his Game 5 goal, he now has eight points through nine playoff games. Despite the punch and his fall to the ice, Scheifele seemed unfazed by the hit and remained engaged in the game — a testament to his toughness.
- Throughout the regular season, he put up 87 points, making him one of the team’s most reliable and consistent contributors.
- Any potential injury to Scheifele would deal a massive blow to the Jets’ chances, but so far, there are no signs that he’s worse for wear after the Benn incident.
- Jamie Benn’s leadership has never been in question, but his decision-making in Game 5 certainly will be.
- While his teammates were still technically within reach of a comeback, Benn’s loss of composure removed him from the most important minutes of the game.
- As the Stars captain, Benn is expected to lead by example — but on this night, his punch did more harm than good.
- There’s no official word yet from the NHL on whether further discipline will be handed down, but considering the optics and severity of the punch, a suspension is well within the realm of possibility.
Mark Scheifele: Discipline Under Scrutiny
Will the NHL Take Action?
All eyes will now turn to the NHL Department of Player Safety. With the playoffs in full swing, the league faces a delicate balance: maintaining the integrity of postseason intensity while cracking down on unnecessary violence.3
Benn’s punch was not a typical playoff scrum. It was a targeted strike during a stoppage in play, and that changes the equation.
If Benn is suspended, it could significantly impact the Stars’ ability to close out the series, particularly given his importance to their power play and physical presence.
Fans and analysts are divided on the likely outcome, but precedent suggests a suspension is possible, especially if the league wants to send a message.
Stars on the Brink: Game 6 Looms Large
With the series now at 3-2 in favor of Dallas, the pressure shifts to Game 6, set for Saturday night in Dallas.
The Stars will be desperate to finish the series at home and avoid the chaos of a winner-take-all Game 7. However, the momentum clearly belongs to Winnipeg after their decisive Game 5 performance.
If Benn is suspended, the Stars will have to find new leadership and energy from within.
Meanwhile, the Jets, buoyed by confidence and backstopped by the outstanding Hellebuyck, will aim to carry their momentum into American Airlines Center and push the series to the limit.
Mental Fortitude: A Key to Victory
Game 5 wasn’t just about goals or saves — it was about mindset. Winnipeg stayed composed and executed their game plan, while Dallas unraveled emotionally. Playoff hockey rewards the mentally strong, and right now, the Jets appear to have the edge in that department.
For the Stars to bounce back in Game 6, they’ll need more than just tactical adjustments. They’ll need emotional discipline, leadership from their veterans, and a renewed focus on the team’s larger goals.
As Game 6 approaches, both teams know what’s at stake. For Dallas, it’s a chance to finish the job and advance. For Winnipeg, it’s about survival — and proving that their Game 5 win wasn’t just a fluke, but a true turning point.
Fans should expect another intense, physical, and emotionally charged game. With everything on the line, the next chapter of this playoff saga promises drama, redemption, and perhaps even more fireworks.
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Mark Scheifele Ignites Jets in Pivotal Game 5 Victory
The Winnipeg Jets entered Game 5 facing elimination, but a brilliant all-around performance propelled them to a decisive 4–0 win over the Dallas Stars.
In a game defined by timely scoring, special teams efficiency, and goaltending excellence, the Jets showcased resilience and resolve.
Mark Scheifele, one of the Jets’ most consistent offensive threats, was the first to strike in Game 5. At 6:17 of the second period, Scheifele’s attempt to thread a pass turned into a bit of puck luck.
The puck caromed off Wyatt Johnston’s stick and then deflected off Thomas Harley’s skate before slipping past Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger. Though unintentional, the goal served as the spark the Jets needed to break the deadlock and seize momentum.
The goal marked Scheifele’s third of the postseason, and while it wasn’t the flashiest finish of his career, it underscored the importance of putting the puck on net—especially in high-stakes playoff games where goals are often messy rather than pretty.
Jets Capitalize on 5-on-3 with Ehlers’ Precision Shot
- With the game still very much in the balance, the Jets earned a rare 5-on-3 power play early in the third period.
- Nikolaj Ehlers, known for his blistering speed and sharp shooting, delivered in the clutch. Moving in close from the left circle, Ehlers fired a shot that beat Oettinger cleanly off the far post and into the net.
- It was a textbook example of how to execute during a two-man advantage—crisp puck movement, aggressive positioning, and a quick release.
- Ehlers’ goal not only gave Winnipeg a 2-0 cushion, but it also deflated a Dallas penalty kill unit that had been a strength in previous games.
- The Jets continued to lean on their special teams, and it paid off again later in the third.
- With another power play opportunity at their disposal, Vladislav Namestnikov found space in the slot and fired a wrist shot past Oettinger at 12:07. The goal, his second of the playoffs, made it 3-0 and left the Stars reeling.
- Namestnikov’s ability to find soft areas in the defense and release a quick, accurate shot has made him an underrated asset in Winnipeg’s lineup.
- His tally extended the Jets’ power play dominance in this contest and emphasized their opportunistic mindset.
Mark Scheifele: Ehlers Seals the Win with Empty Netter
As the Stars pulled their goalie in a desperate bid to mount a comeback, it was again Ehlers who came through.
With 45 seconds remaining in regulation, he fired the puck into the empty net from center ice to seal the game at 4-0.
It was his second goal of the night and third point overall, capping off a standout performance. Ehlers’ energy, skating, and shot selection were on full display, and he proved to be a game-changing force in Game 5.
Connor Hellebuyck Delivers a Playoff Masterclass
While the Jets’ offense shined, their success began between the pipes. Connor Hellebuyck, the 2020 Vezina Trophy winner, was rock solid from start to finish. He turned away all 22 shots he faced to record the shutout—the fourth playoff shutout of his career.
Thirteen of those saves came in the third period when the Stars pushed hard to cut into Winnipeg’s lead.
Hellebuyck’s composure, rebound control, and poise under pressure were critical in neutralizing Dallas’ late-game surge. His performance reminded everyone why he remains one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders.
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Jake Oettinger Holds Ground Amid Defensive Breakdowns
Although the final score didn’t favor the Stars, Jake Oettinger’s individual effort deserved recognition.
He made 31 saves and kept the game competitive despite Winnipeg generating quality scoring chances throughout.
Several of his stops—particularly in the first period—were of the highlight-reel variety.
Ultimately, defensive lapses and untimely penalties by Dallas left Oettinger vulnerable. The Stars struggled to clear the front of the net and allowed the Jets too many second-chance opportunities. Oettinger did what he could, but the lack of support in key moments proved costly.
Special Teams: The Deciding Factor
In postseason hockey, special teams can make or break a team’s fortunes. For the Jets, it was the former. They scored twice on the power play and made the most of their man-advantage situations.
The crisp puck movement and confidence with which they operated stood in stark contrast to earlier games in the series where their power play had sputtered.
On the flip side, Dallas failed to capitalize on the few power play chances they had. Winnipeg’s penalty kill was aggressive, forcing turnovers and clearing the puck efficiently.
This special teams disparity played a major role in tilting the game in the Jets’ favor.
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