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.

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, and thus, Bennett escaped sanctions for his actions.

Nonetheless, the Panthers’ star dismissed any ill intent during the game, and he explained that his actions were just in the competitive spirit. After the game, he revealed, “I’m just taking a puck to the net. I didn’t even know that we made contact until after. And I’m on the power play. I’m trying to score. I’m taking the puck to the net. That’s really all there was to it.”

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs put on a thrilling display to overcome the challenge of the defending champions in Game 1. Panthers coach Maurice explained how the Maple Leafs, under coach Berube, play a different brand of hockey.

Panthers coach highlights the greatest quality of the current Maple Leafs team

Back in May last year, the Maple Leafs hired Craig Berube as their new coach, replacing Sheldon Keefe. Berube was tasked to bring back the glory days and help the Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup title. In just his first season with the team, Berube has led the Maple Leafs into the playoffs, and they are already 1-0 up against the defending champions.

Addressing what makes the Maple Leafs superior under Berube, Panthers coach Paul Maurice said, “Personnel would be one thing. It is quite a bit of a different-looking team. There are different names on the backend. I think there is more patience in their game. Maybe in the past, there was an attack mindset offensively all the time. Now, they are more patient. They’ll put pucks deep. They’ll be more patient with the pucks out. It is a bit more of a mature game.”

Nonetheless, there is still a long way to go in this year’s Stanley Cup. While they have made a bright start, the Maple Leafs would look to carry on the momentum and knock out the defending champions.