The Florida Panthers have taken a commanding 3–1 series lead over the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference semifinals following a dramatic comeback win in Game 4
In a pivotal moment during Sunday’s game, Sam Bennett scored the equalizing goal in the third period. This goal not only swung the momentum in favor of the Panthers but also set the stage for an intense post-game discussion.
The game was not without controversy, as it was overshadowed by an incident from Game 3 involving Bennett and Bruins’ captain Brad Marchand.
During Game 3, Bennett delivered a hard hit on Marchand, forcing him out of the game. However, a new angle of the play released on Sunday appeared to show Bennett landing a punch to Marchand’s face.
After Game 4, Bennett addressed the incident, acknowledging the heightened tensions between the two teams. He compared the situation to a similar experience he had in Toronto last year, indicating that he is becoming accustomed to such intense scrutiny.
Regarding the controversial hit, Bennett clarified, “I’m not trying to punch him in the head, like everyone’s saying. I’m just bracing myself for him coming to hit me. There’s no way I would’ve had time to think about punching him in the head.”
He further emphasized the nature of playoff hockey, stating, “People can see it however they want. It’s playoff hockey, there’s going to be hard plays. Obviously, it’s unfortunate he got hit, but that’s just a hockey play in my mind.”
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Bennett’s Game-Changing Goal and Controversial Incident
In a heated Game 4 between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers, the Bruins were left frustrated after a controversial goaltender interference call on Jeremy Swayman.1
Despite objections from former NHL goalies and initial support from NHL analyst Paul Bissonnette, the call stood, leading to the Panthers’ second goal.
Controversy Over Goaltender Interference
The pivotal moment occurred when Sam Bennett’s goal became the subject of intense scrutiny. While Bissonnette initially supported the decision, other analysts, including Anson Carter, disagreed.
Carter highlighted the physicality of the play, likening it to a cross-check that impeded Swayman’s ability to make a save.
Panelists’ Disagreement
During the “NHL on TNT” post-game analysis, Carter pointed out that Biz’s stance was unique among the panelists.
Bissonnette later clarified that while he initially believed there wasn’t enough interference to warrant a disallowed goal, further review changed his opinion.
Replay Analysis
Upon closer inspection, Bissonnette noted that the push occurred at the top of the crease, potentially affecting Swayman’s positioning.
Despite his initial belief that the goal might stand, Bissonnette ultimately disagreed with the league’s decision, stating that there was enough interference to warrant a disallowed goal.
While Colby Armstrong and Anson Carter shared Bissonnette’s revised view that the goal shouldn’t have stood, the controversial call ultimately stood, leading to the Panthers’ victory.
The incident highlighted the subjective nature of goaltender interference calls and the challenges faced by officials in making split-second decisions.