In the unforgiving field of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, chaos is often mistaken for courage. But this time, the pushback is coming from within the hockey world. And this time the bell tolls for Sam Bennett. Bennett has long been praised for his gritty, aggressive style in the postseason. But his latest moment in the spotlight is a controversial hit on Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz. It has ignited a firestorm on social media, with NHL voices questioning whether it’s time to stop romanticizing his brand of physicality.

What began as a tongue-in-cheek comment from reporter Ty Anderson escalated quickly. Anderson tweeted, “Some team is gonna give Sam Bennett $60 million because of his playoff grease just in time for him to start getting suspended for the greasiness.”

However, NHL insider Jimmy Murphy took issue with the language and didn’t hold back. He quote-tweeted Anderson and wrote, “Maybe it’s time to stop glorifying and encouraging it by calling it greasiness or playoff grease and call it for what it is: Dirty and cheap.”

The hit in question involved Sam Bennett barreling into Anthony Stolarz during a high-pressure playoff clash. While some brushed it off, others, like Murphy, saw it as a dangerous act that crossed the line. Given the increased awareness around player safety and league discipline, the backlash is anything but surprising.

The hit that reignited the debate over Sam Bennett’s playstyle

This isn’t the first time Bennett has walked the disciplinary tightrope. In 2023, he concussed rookie Matthew Knies without consequence, and just last year, he knocked out Brad Marchand with a stealth punch. With multiple suspensions and fines on his record, many now question the league’s consistency in upholding safety standards during the playoffs.

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube was clear in his condemnation, labeling it “an elbow to the head, clear as day.” In contrast, Panthers coach Paul Maurice defended his player, downplaying the intent behind the hit. With Stolarz’s status still uncertain for Game 2, the controversy continues to simmer, spotlighting both Sam Bennett’s rugged style and the NHL’s questionable stance on player protection.

Bennett, already known for riding the edge, is once again caught in a narrative that could affect both his reputation and future dealings. And this time, it isn’t just opposing fans or analysts speaking up. It’s insiders from within the sport.

As the playoffs rage on, so does the debate: Is Sam Bennett displaying playoff grit, or is he being a repeat offender whose hits deserve more than glorification?