After issuing a rough hit that sidelined Brad Marchand Friday night, Panthers center Sam Bennett insisted the play was nothing but good ‘ol playoff hockey.
But the collision, which occurred in the first period of Game 3 against the Panthers, kept Marchand out of the lineup for Sunday’s Game 4 and sparked controversy.
Upon making contact with Marchand, Bennett attempted to deflect the hit with his arms, striking him in the head. Bruins coach Jim Montgomery called the hit “outside the lines,” and said Bennett “knew what he was doing.”
Bennett, however, remained adamant that the aggressive play-style is just a result of dogged playoff hockey.