Fighting is dumb and should never happen in an NHL game. Full stop, no exceptions. Fighting is especially stupid when it serves to remove players capable of meaningful on-ice contributions. Fighting is unforgivable (seriously, there should be a fine), when the player in question is the Dallas Stars’ former Art Ross-winning captain, Jamie Benn.
Forget the usual arguments. Sure, every time he fights Jamie risks injury or impairment to his goal-scoring mitts. Yes, each fight comes with a five minute time out, during which the Stars are stripped of one of their most impactful assets.