DALLAS — Devon Toews briefly left Game 2 of the Colorado Avalanche’s second-round series after a big hit from Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn early in the second period Thursday night.
Toews went behind his own net to play the puck, and Benn converged with him from the other side and delivered a huge hit. Benn was originally assessed a major penalty, but upon further review, the officials deemed the hit legal and the Avalanche did not receive a power play of any kind.
“I don’t know what to say,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “I mean, does he catch a piece of his shoulder? Yeah, I guess you could argue that. But the target is high and it’s at his head and he makes contact with the head. And I’ve seen many times guys get called for the head shot and penalty with a lot less than that, but I guess they didn’t think so.
“It’s a physical game this time of year, but I just can’t understand how that was not a penalty, even if it isn’t a (five-minute major).”
Toews stayed down on the ice before skating off after being attended to. He went to the locker room for further evaluation.
Toews was able to return to the game later in the second period and assume his regular place next to Cale Makar on Colorado’s top pairing.
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