On Friday night, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett was assessed a two-minute roughing call on Drew O’Connor at 17:59 of the third period.
Sam Bennett with a costly penalty that leads to Pens tying goal 😬
Pittsburgh commentators compare the play to Bennett’s punch on Marchand in the playoffs 😳 pic.twitter.com/AZsP0yeu4H
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) January 4, 2025
During the ensuing powerplay, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell scored to tie the game at 2-2. This led to overtime and a shootout, which the Panthers won 3-2.
Today, the NHL Department of Player Safety fined Bennett $5,000, the max allowed under the CBA, for the roughing penalty.
Florida’s Sam Bennett has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for roughing Pittsburgh’s Drew O’Connor.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) January 4, 2025
Following the call, O’Connor stayed on the ice briefly before skating off under his power. He remained on the bench with his head down but came back out for a shift in the overtime.
The Sportsnet Pittsburgh announcers described the play as a similar incident between Florida and the Boston Bruins in last season’s playoffs. Bennett punched Bruins captain Brad Marchand, who missed some time following the hit.
The Penguins and Panthers meet again one last time this season on Mar. 23 at Amerant Bank Arena. Will there be any repercussions for Bennett’s actions on Friday night?
