NHL rules on Benn / Ekman-Larsson hit and fans are NOT happy

In case you missed it last night, Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn earned himself a game misconduct for a hit from behind on Arizona Coyotes captain Oliver Ekman Larsson.

While attempting to play a puck along the side boards in the defensive zone, Ekman-Larsson throws on the brakes while Benn goes full bore right at him, pushing Ekman-Larsson directly on the numbers and driving his head into the glass.

Here’s the hit in question:

Benn's hit on Ekman-Larsson that led to ejection pic.twitter.com/2Agw1uLiY0
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) February 20, 2020

Ouch. Not a good look for Benn.

This is likely worth a game or two suspension, right? Think again…

According to a report from Stars insider Matthew DeFranks, there will be no supplemental discipline administered to Benn for the hit.

Check it out:

Source: There will be no supplemental discipline (no fine or suspension) for Jamie Benn after his hit on Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Ekman-Larsson put himself off balance to play the puck and lost a physical battle with Benn.
— Matthew DeFranks (@MDeFranks) February 20, 2020

No official confirmation from NHL Player Safety or George Parr’s himself just yet, but based on fan reaction this is NOT a popular decision.

This league man pic.twitter.com/vGY39AmxHM
— Ah yes, the Leafs. (@LeafsAllDayy) February 20, 2020

“The NHL has suspended Zack Kassian another 3 games for Jamie Benn’s boarding of Oliver Ekman-Larsson”.
— x-Oilers (@2ndTierFan) February 20, 2020

That’s a joke from @NHLPlayerSafety. That was one of the most dangerous plays I’ve seen this season that could have resulted in not only a serious season ending injury, but also a career ending and life changing injury. Despicable.
— Nick Lauth (@lauth_nick) February 20, 2020

"Put himself off balance." What? For reasons I do not understand, the NHL refuses to protect players by taking this hit out of the game. What a farce the NHL's DOPS has become.https://t.co/4cwmwLCtMX
— Robin Brownlee (@Robin_Brownlee) February 20, 2020