NHL Slammed for Double Standard After Sam Bennett Avoids Punishment for Hit on Stolarz
Photo credit: Brotherly Puck
Now that Sam Bennett won't be receiving supplemental discipline, Gary Bettman and the NHL are being slammed for fining Senators' Nick Cousins last week.
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett didn't get supplemental punishment for his suspicious check of Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz during Game 1 of the Atlantic Division Final.
The collision occurred during the middle of the second period when Bennett came into the net on a Panthers power play and struck Stolarz on the head.
There was no penalty called on the play, although Stolarz fell to the ice shortly after and was seen vomiting on the bench before he was stretchered out of Scotiabank Arena. Joseph Woll replaced him and helped in a 5-4 win for the Leafs.
Stolarz had blanked 8 of 9 shots prior to being yanked from action. He'd been the architect of Toronto's first-round triumph over Ottawa on a 2.21 GAA and .901 save average in six contests.
The NHL's failure to discipline Bennett has appalled fans and pundits alike, with many considering it proof of double standards.
Senators' Nick Cousins got fined for a playful puck flip towards Stolarz
The league disciplined Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins last week for playfully flipping a puck towards his buddy and former teammate, Anthony Stolarz, while stretching during pregame warmups.
The league is considered by its critics to be hypocritical, disciplining for a harmless gesture, yet ignoring a brutal hit that left someone injured.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube wasted no words in voicing utter frustration at a lack of accountability.
"Elbow to the head, clear as day," Berube said.
With mounting calls for openness, the NHL and Commissioner Gary Bettman face increasing pressure to explain themselves after what many viewed as selective discipline of player safety rules.
| POLL | ||
MAI 6 | 1359 ANSWERS NHL Slammed for Double Standard After Sam Bennett Avoids Punishment for Hit on Stolarz Do you believe Gary Bettman and the NHL partook in a double standard? | ||
| Yes | 1275 | 93.8 % |
| No | 84 | 6.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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