Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett's suspension fate has been confirmed by the NHL Player Safety after his dirty hit on Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand.
The Panthers secured a 2-1 series lead over the Boston Bruins last night, and to add to the Bruins' woes, Sam Bennett won't face suspension for his hit on Brad Marchand during the game.
Marchand was knocked out of the game by the hit, and despite attempts for a third-period comeback by the Bruins, he didn't return. Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery voiced concerns about the hit, suggesting Bennett intentionally targeted their key player.
“People can say it wasn't intentional, but we have our view of it.”
Jim Montgomery‘s full comments on the Sam Bennett-Brad Marchand collision that injured the Bruins captain.
-
However, the NHL Department of Player Safety disagreed with Montgomery's assessment. Since the league didn't announce any supplemental discipline for Bennett by the 5 PM EST deadline, it's confirmed he'll be playing in game four.
The 5PM deadline for the NHL Department of Player Safety to make a ruling on a suspension for Sam Bennett has now passed.
This means that Sam Bennett will not face any supplemental discipline for his hit on Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand last night.
#NHL #NHLBruins #TimeToHunt
-
While some fans noted Bennett's punch to Marchand's face during the play, it's unclear if that alone caused Marchand's exit from the game.
Sam Bennett clear as day sucker punching Marchand
-
Regardless, with the decision made, attention now turns to whether Marchand will be ready for game four and how effective he'll be for the Bruins as they aim to level the series.
As seen on markerzone
Sam Bennett's suspension fate confirmed after hit on Brad Marchand
Also read on Puck Reporter :
Four teams emerge as favorites to land Steven Stamkos this summer