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The Real Reason Sam Bennett Wasn't Suspended After Controversial Hit on Anthony Stolarz

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated May 6, 2025 11:05 AM ET

Sam Bennett hit Anthony Stolarz directly in the head in Game 1, causing him to leave the game, and now Gary Bettman and the NHL are under fire for their decision.

The NHL world has been in shock since a thrilling Game 1 between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday night, but the biggest story of all was the hit from Sam Bennett that caused Anthony Stolarz to leave the arena on a stretcher.

It was unnecessary, illegal and directly to the head, but on Tuesday morning, it was confirmed that the NHL's Department of Player Safety would not be taking a closer look at the play from Bennett.

Unsurprisingly, fans were not happy with this call, as most took to social media to call out George Parros and the DoPS, with one listing the many ways that this play was not only dangerous, but also incredibly unnecessary.

Other fans have also pointed out Bennett's history, as he injured Brad Marchand in the post-season a year ago, noting that he was not suspended for the hit on Matthew Knies that was also incredibly dangerous as well.

Reporter Jimmy Murphy also asked an NHL executive why Bennett won't be suspended, and their response shows the shocking lack of consistency that the DoPS has been showing as of late:

'There was more than one incident that could've concussed Stolarz, so they'll say, how do you prove it was Bennett?'

Ultimately, this was a bad decision by the NHL, as Bennett made direct and unnecessary contact to the head of an opponent, but once again, the NHL's DoPS has shown that player safety may not actually be at the top of their list.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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