Sam Bennett Continues To Create Controversy

The Oilers challenge for goalie interference, citing Bennett not allowing Skinner to play in his position. However, after review, the call on the ice stood, with the referees stating that Edmonton Oilers defenseman Brett Kulak tripped Bennett into Skinner. However, if you watch the video numerous times, Bennett, after he falls over Kulak’s skate, takes an extra stride before falling into Skinner.

Florida Panthers: Controversial Sam Bennett Goal Talk of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Florida Panthers: Florida Panthers Continue To Play with a Championship Mindset

Stanley Cup Final: Leon Draisaitl Plays Hero As Stuart Skinner Steals the Show

Edmonton Oilers: Edmonton Oilers Captain Connor McDavid is All Business

From the NHL’s Situation Room:

Video review confirmed that the actions of Edmonton’s Brett Kulak caused Florida’s Sam Bennett to contact Stuart Skinner prior to his goal. The decision was made in accordance with Note 2 of Rule 38.11 (ii) which states, in part, that the goal should be allowed because “the attacking Player was pushed, shoved or fouled by the defending Player causing the attacking Player to come into contact with the goalkeeper.”

But that is who Sam Bennett is; he knows exactly what he is doing to disrupt the goaltender. He did it the previous two seasons. One against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 2 of Game 1, where he accidentally on purpose knocked into Anthony Stolarz, knocking him out of the series.

Bennett was involved in a controversial goal in Game 4 of Round 2 against the Boston Bruins, where he scored the game-tying goal after shoving Charlie Coyle into goaltender Jeremy Swayman. He had already had an incident with Brad Marchand, who was now his teammate in that series as well.

It is therefore no surprise to see Sam Bennett embroiled in controversy. To make matters worse, Bennett was credited with the goal, and the Panthers were awarded a power play after the Oilers unsuccessful challenge. There, Marchand scored a power-play goal to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead just minutes later after the controversial goal.

Sam Bennett Was the Best Panthers Player

The Florida Panthers were in control of the game when Sam Bennett scored his second goal of the game two minutes into the second period. It was 3-1 Panthers on Bennett’s 12th goal of the playoffs, which set a franchise record for most goals in the postseason. In addition, he tied Mark Scheifele for the most playoff goals on the road with 11.

Later in the second period, Bennett had a chance for the hat trick off a set play off the faceoff. He worked his way into the slot and got a good look at Skinner. There were other chances by Bennett in the second period to increase the lead. As the game dragged on, his play did not dip. It felt like his teammates were a step slower, but Bennett wasn’t.

In total, he finished with five shots on goal and two goals. Sam Bennett was all over the ice for the Florida Panthers. In the end the controversial goal involving Bennett did not make a difference as the Oilers came back to win the game in overtime.

However, this is why, on July 1st, Bennett will receive a significant pay raise for his performance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Bennett loves this stage as it brings out the best in his game. He was built to play in these moments.