Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice defended forward Sam Bennett following the controversy surrounding his hit on Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz.
During Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Second Round playoff series, Stolarz took an elbow to the head from Bennett as the Florida forward drove toward the net during a power play.
While Toronto fans and NHL analysts have criticized the lack of a penalty on the play, Maurice saw it differently.
Panthers HC Backs Sam Bennett to Play ‘an Honest, Hard Game’
Maurice shared a humorous exchange with TSN reporter Mark Masters on Wednesday, May 7, during a media session ahead of Game 2 in the series.
When Masters asked what kind of reaction Bennett should expect from Toronto fans after the hit, Maurice replied, “Are they bringing their skates?”
Masters then followed up by asking about Bennett’s mindset amid the spotlight.
“He’s our leading scoring forward and he’ll play an honest, hard game the way he always does,” Maurice said.
With six points in five games, Bennett has been one of Florida’s top playoff performers, helping the team eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in Round 1.
He’s also known for his physical style of play. Bennett spoke about the hit on Tuesday, May 6, during a media session.
“I heard that he went to the hospital last night, and Stolie’s a good friend of mine. Reached out to him and he responded… Never want to see an injury like that. From my point of view, I’m just taking a puck to the net. I didn’t even know we made contact until after,” Bennett said.
“From my point of view, I'm just taking the puck to the net. I didn’t even know that we made contact until after.”
Sam Bennett on collision with Anthony Stolarz in Game 1. pic.twitter.com/ylGyzPrBDc
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet)
Stolarz was reportedly stretchered to the hospital on Monday but returned to Scotiabank Arena the following day. He did not practice and has been ruled out for Game 2.
At a press conference, Maurice stood by his forward and repeated his defense.
“He was on the power play. He had the puck. He went to the net. He has the puck, and he is going to the net. I understand. Call the fire department, put your hair out, and let’s move on, please,” Maurice told reporters.
“He took a puck outside the crease, and now he is a villain. I expected that one when I got up this morning, but it still surprises me. There were far more egregious collisions in that game last night, but we won’t be talking about those today, I would imagine,” he added.
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The Panthers will be boosted by the return of defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who is back from a two-game suspension.
