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Not only did the Florida Panthers lose Game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday, they may have lost one of their top stars for a game or two in the process.
Forward Sam Bennett made waves in the second period when he collided with Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz, elbowing him in the head as he drove to crease to battle for a puck.
Though no penalty was called on Bennet for the incident, it’s clear that most fans on social media believe he should have been penalized for what happened, especially after Stolarz began throwing up on the bench and was subsequently taken to the hospital on a stretcher in the third period, according to multiple reports.
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (9) reacts after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena.Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
And while reporters were hoping to speak with Bennett after the game and get his side of what happened, the Panthers ultimately decided that wasn’t going to happen, per The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun.
“Sam Bennett was not made available to the media post game,” LeBrun wrote on X. “We asked for him post game but Panthers PR said he wasn’t talking tonight.”
It’s likely Bennett will address the issue on Tuesday at some point, but it’s clear the Panthers didn’t want to send him in front of the firing squad while the moment was still fresh in everyone’s mind — a decision that landed the team in hot water on social media.
“Accountability is a choice. NHL media regulations aren’t supposed to be optional for clubs — doesn’t matter if it’s #StanleyCupPlayoffs,” The Athletic’s Rob Rossi wrote.
“@FlaPanthers don’t like being held accountable…Bennett may get a fine, but like Ekblad last series, like Bennetts sucker punch against his (now) teammate, intent to injure is allowed for FLA, especially in-game. Corrupt NHL pandering to sports books and more,” one fan exclaimed.
“[Expletive] move. If he's going to play dirty, he should be willing to speak on it. And if the Panthers don't believe he's dirty, they should let him speak,” another fan added.
“Worst franchise in the league. Cowards,” a third fan scoffed.
“They trying to protect their guy. Don't want to give the league any other possible evidence,” one user quipped.
“Coward player, coward franchise, either hiding behind a ref or a PR rep,” remarked another user.
The only update on Stolarz’s status after the game came from Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube, who stated the net-minder was undergoing further evaluation. An official update will likely be announced sometime on Tuesday.
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Forward Sam Bennett made waves in the second period when he collided with Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz, elbowing him in the head as he drove to crease to battle for a puck.
Though no penalty was called on Bennet for the incident, it’s clear that most fans on social media believe he should have been penalized for what happened, especially after Stolarz began throwing up on the bench and was subsequently taken to the hospital on a stretcher in the third period, according to multiple reports.
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Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (9) reacts after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena.Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
And while reporters were hoping to speak with Bennett after the game and get his side of what happened, the Panthers ultimately decided that wasn’t going to happen, per The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun.
“Sam Bennett was not made available to the media post game,” LeBrun wrote on X. “We asked for him post game but Panthers PR said he wasn’t talking tonight.”
It’s likely Bennett will address the issue on Tuesday at some point, but it’s clear the Panthers didn’t want to send him in front of the firing squad while the moment was still fresh in everyone’s mind — a decision that landed the team in hot water on social media.
“Accountability is a choice. NHL media regulations aren’t supposed to be optional for clubs — doesn’t matter if it’s #StanleyCupPlayoffs,” The Athletic’s Rob Rossi wrote.
“@FlaPanthers don’t like being held accountable…Bennett may get a fine, but like Ekblad last series, like Bennetts sucker punch against his (now) teammate, intent to injure is allowed for FLA, especially in-game. Corrupt NHL pandering to sports books and more,” one fan exclaimed.
“[Expletive] move. If he's going to play dirty, he should be willing to speak on it. And if the Panthers don't believe he's dirty, they should let him speak,” another fan added.
“Worst franchise in the league. Cowards,” a third fan scoffed.
“They trying to protect their guy. Don't want to give the league any other possible evidence,” one user quipped.
“Coward player, coward franchise, either hiding behind a ref or a PR rep,” remarked another user.
The only update on Stolarz’s status after the game came from Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube, who stated the net-minder was undergoing further evaluation. An official update will likely be announced sometime on Tuesday.
Related: Florida Panthers Star Bracing for NHL Punishment After Game 1 Loss to Maple Leafs
Related: Craig Berube Rips NHL Officials After Maple Leafs Star Suffers Brutal Injury
Related: Craig Berube Rips NHL Officials After Maple Leafs Star Suffers Brutal Injury
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