‘Just playing my game’: Panthers’ Sam Bennett responds to hit on Leafs’ Anthony Stolarz
The ongoing discussion about the actions of one of the NHL’s leading antagonists is ongoing.
On Tuesday, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett answered questions regarding his hit on Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz.
“Just trying to play my game,” Bennett told the media.
Sam Bennett said he reached out to Anthony Stolarz last night after the collision and he responded.
Bennett maintains there was no ill intent – “just trying to play my game.”
In the second period of Game 1 of the Atlantic Division Final on Monday night, Bennett ran into Stolarz while the Panthers were on the power play. Stolarz was sprawled on the ice for a few moments but attempted to keep playing.
A few minutes later, during a TV timeout, Stolarz left the game after vomiting on the Leafs’ bench. Joseph Woll entered the game and played well enough to help Toronto grab an important 5-4 win.
It was later reported that Stolarz left Scotiabank Arena on a stretcher and was transferred to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
Bennett claims he had no ill will against his former teammate. He said he reached out to Stolarz after learning about his condition.
“I heard that he went to the hospital last night and [Stolarz’s] a good friend of mine,” Bennett said. “Reached out to him, and he responded… never want to see an injury like that.”
The former Calgary Flame admitted what happened on Monday night was no more than a hockey play.
“From my point of view, I’m just taking a puck to the net. I didn’t even know we made contact until after.”
Stolarz and Bennett were on the Panthers team last season that won the franchise’s first Stanley Cup.
Unfortunately, for many, Bennett’s words only mean so much, especially for Leafs Nation. Few have forgotten his hit that knocked then-rookie Matthew Knies out of their second-round clash two years ago, as well as his treatment of Michael Bunting. It was reported on Tuesday that Bennett wouldn’t receive any supplemental discipline on his hit on Stolarz.
Leafs head coach Craig Berube stated on Tuesday that he has yet to rule Stolarz out for Game 2.
“We’ll see. Don’t know that yet,” Berube told the media.
Game 2 in Toronto is set for Wednesday night. Puck drop is scheduled for a little after 7 p.m. ET.