In today’s day and age of technology, no incident on the sports field goes unnoticed. Be it refereeing blunders or any controversial incidents, heavy scrutiny is a sure shot. However, to the surprise of many, Panthers’ Sam Bennett escaped any supplemental NHL discipline after hitting goaltender Anthony Stolarz’s head with his elbow. While not many may have seen this coming, NHL Insider Jimmy Murphy revealed the actual reason behind this decision.
Following the incident, the referees chose not to award a penalty on the play to the Maple Leafs after Bennett’s hit on Stolarz. Moreover, after the game, the NHL also let off Bennett and Murphy, knowing why he escaped any suspension of sorts. An executive of the NHL told Murphy, “There was more than one incident that could’ve concussed Stolarz, so they’ll say, how do you prove it was Bennett?” However, Murphy feels that any hit on the head should result in a penalty, whether it is done on purpose or not.
An NHL executive to me just now on why Bennett won’t be suspended:
“There was more than one incident that could’ve concussed Stolarz, so they’ll say, how do you prove it was Bennett?”
My take: Make any hit to the head (on purpose or not) a penalty, and that’s a moot question
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) May 6, 2025
Before Bennett’s elbow on Stolarz’s head, the former had many shots directed toward the goaltender in an aggressive display of action. Further, one shot was hit so hard that the puck hit Stolarz’s helmet, and he was visibly shaken. All these incidents added up to Stolarz’s withdrawal, and later, he was taken for a checkup in the hospital. Thus, Murphy feels that Bennett’s elbow hitting Stolarz wasn’t the only incident responsible for the goaltender’s withdrawal.
This is a developing story…
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