Blues, Stars trade nasty slashes in tense Game 4

For all the surprises, breakout stars, and stunning performances, the 2018-19 Stanley Cup Playoffs have often been marred by some ugly incidents. The St. Louis Blues-Dallas Stars series is entering that territory.

With just over a minute remaining in the second period of Wednesday’s Game 4, Stars goaltender Ben Bishop routinely retrieved a puck behind his net, but Blues forward David Perron inexplicably slashed him while Bishop had his back turned. Much to the shock and chagrin of Stars fans, to say nothing of Bishop, no penalty was called.

The Stars weren’t going to let Perron get away with a shot on Bishop without retaliating, and as the horn blew to end the period, Jamie Benn took a shot at Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington below the belt.

Binnington, however, snapped back immediately and threw a punch at Benn. Both players earned minor penalties but Binnington wasn’t done there.

Before going to the locker room, Binnington also swung his stick at Bishop, which the referees caught, earning the St. Louis netminder another two-minute minor for slashing. It’s not the first time Binnington has swung at someone this season, either.

It’s not a great angle but if you look closely, you can catch the end of Binnington’s tantrum.

This series was billed by some as a battle between Bishop and Binnington but it’s safe to say that few had this in mind.

When all was said and done, the Stars got the last laugh and walked away with a 4-2 victory, evening the series at two games apiece.

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