5 Clear Signs Sam Bennett Deserved a Suspension for His Dirty Hit on Anthony Stolarz
Photo credit: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Leafs Nation is up in arms about how Sam Bennett did not get a suspension or fine for his headshot on Anthony Stolarz, and 5 clear signs have presented themselves.
There's no doubt what happened in Game 1 between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs: Sam Bennett hit Anthony Stolarz in the head, and the NHL should have reacted.
This was not incidental contact or an accident but rather a planned and dangerous play that pulled the Maple Leafs' goalie off the ice.
Video appeared to show Stolarz vomiting on the bench prior to him being sent reportedly to the hospital. That alone should have seen a suspension.
Bennett should be required to sit for this, not just for the hit, but for his history. Remember, he sucker-punched Brad Marchand last year. That means something.
Second offenses should play a role in disciplinary measures, and this hit pressed all the right buttons, or wrong buttons, we should say.
Accidental or not, Bennett should have received some form of supplemental discipline
Even if somehow the league is sure that the elbow was accidental, it doesn't matter. Bennett was in the crease, dangerously within striking range of the goalie, and did nothing to avoid the elbow.
NHL players own their bodies, and that includes their elbows and forearms. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube did not mince words when he first spoke to the media about the incident.
"Elbow to the head, clear as day."
- Craig Berube
- Craig Berube
An X social media user who uses the handle 'logopatt' revealed five key reasons why this should have absolutely been a suspension for Bennett.
1. Bennett was fully in the crease.
2. No defenders were forcing him into that position, and he had other paths available.
3. He made 100% head contact.
4. There was a clear intent to hit Stolarz in the head.
5. It led to an injury, which alone should have warranted discipline.
2. No defenders were forcing him into that position, and he had other paths available.
3. He made 100% head contact.
4. There was a clear intent to hit Stolarz in the head.
5. It led to an injury, which alone should have warranted discipline.
This is not just a missed call, it's an abject failure by the NHL's Department of Player Safety. Punishing Bennett with nothing sends the wrong message, and worse, leaves goalies at risk of future reckless play.
It's bewildering, and honestly, embarrassing, that this wasn't punished. Gary Bettman and the league need to do better.
| POLL | ||
MAI 6 | 520 ANSWERS 5 Clear Signs Sam Bennett Deserved a Suspension for His Dirty Hit on Anthony Stolarz Did Sam Bennett deserve to get any supplemental discipline? | ||
| Yes | 369 | 71 % |
| No | 151 | 29 % |
| List of polls | ||
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