Bennett gets max fine for cross-check on Bunting
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Florida Panthers winger Sam Bennett received a $5,000 fine on Friday for cross-checking Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting in Game 2.
Bennett received a minor penalty for cross-checking for Bunting in the neck area in the second period of his team's 3-2 win on Thursday.
The $5,000 fine is the maximum allowable under the CBA.
Bennett was not disciplined for actions against Matthew Knies, who he threw to the ice after a hit in the first period.
Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk chuckled when asked whether he thought Bennett could face discipline for his actions versus Knies, who did not return to the game after the first intermission.
"I do not think he will hear from player safety on that, no," Tkachuk said.
"Everyone seemed to survive that tangle behind the net," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice added. "I think we’ve been on the other side of the ledger enough."
Knies played the remainder of the first period after the incident with Bennett but was ruled out for the remainder of the game as the second period started.
"I think he tried to hit me, jumped out of the way, got tied up in my arm there," Bennett said. "That was pretty much it on that one."
Maple Leafs captain John Tavares saw the play as less routine.
"I didn't love it, obviously, and then [it] results in an injury," Tavares said. "We've just got to keep playing and pushing forward, stay disciplined and keep working for opportunities and stand our ground when necessary."
Knies, who joined the Maple Leafs last month after completing his season with the University of Minnesota, has one goal and four games this postseason.
Game 3 of the series is scheduled for Sunday.