Bennett explains Marchand’s controversial hit in Game 3

Bennett explains Marchand’s controversial hit in Game 3 originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston

Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett has become the No. 1 villain for Boston Bruins fans over the past week.

He hit Brad Marchand in the head during the first period of Game 3 in a questionable move that resulted in the loss of Marchand in the third period and then I didn’t play Game 4 on Sunday night. Bennett was also at the center of a Controversial goalie interference call in Game 4 when he crossed Bruins center Charlie Coyle into Jeremy Swayman, preventing the goalkeeper from making a save. Despite a long review, the goal was confirmed and tied at two.

The Panthers ended up winning 3-2 and taking a 3-1 series lead as the action returns to Florida for Game 5 on Tuesday night.

Bennett was asked about the hit on Marchand — for which he was neither fined nor suspended — after the Panthers’ Game 4 victory.

“On this play, I’m obviously not trying to punch him in the head like everyone is saying,” Bennett said on TNT’s postgame show. I’m just getting ready for him to come hit me. There was no way I would have had time to think about punching him in the head. People can see it however they want. It’s playoff hockey, there will be tough plays. Obviously it was unfortunate that he got hit, but in my mind it’s just a hockey play.”

Bennett later added: “He’s coming towards me. Normally, I go with both hands to protect myself. Coming back from an injury, I will protect myself as much as I can. That’s all, and like I said, it’s a shame he got hurt.”

Bennett has a history of questionable plays.

For example, he made a very similar scam on Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies in the second round of last season’s playoffs. Knies ended up suffering a concussion and missed the rest of the series. Bennett was not suspended.

Arbitration is is not the #1 reason the Bruins are down 3-1 in this series. His offensive production has been very disappointing, to say the least. But the Bruins’ frustration with management is understandable, to a point. It’s hard to beat a really good team like the Panthers when they have six power plays in three straight games.