Prior to the third clash between the Panthers and the Bruins, the NHL warned both teams that the rest of the series would be scrutinized by the League. They had to make this decision following the massive scrum that emerged in the end of game 2, where a whipping total of 12 game misconducts were handed out and led to a fight between Matthew Tkachuk and David Pastrnak.
We should know soon enough if the League was serious or not. An incident occured in the third game involving Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett that could force the NHL to suspend Bennett.
During the first period of the game, Marchand was sucker punched by Bennett, as the Bruins' captain was skating with speed to hit the Panthers' forward.
Marchand remained on the ice for a few seconds before skating to the bench, visibly in pain.
Marchand was forced to leave the game after the second period. Without him, the Bruins could struggle to beat the Panthers.
If the NHL decides to punish Bennett, we should know about it later today. Make sure to stay tuned for any further updates from the League's Department of Player Safety.
Sam Bennett has a history with these types of cheap shots:
Source: Markerzone - Bennett may be suspended for dirty play on Marchand
POLL | ||
MAI 11 | 847 ANSWERS Sam Bennett deliberately and intentionally Injures Brad Marchand Do you think the Boston Bruins could beat the Florida Panthers in round two without Brad Marchand? | ||
Yes | 111 | 13.1 % |
No | 736 | 86.9 % |
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