Florida Panthers’ Sam Bennett Fined $5,000 for Cross-Check on Toronto Maple Leafs’ Michael Bunting

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has been fined $5,000 for cross-checking Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting during Game 2 of the second-round series. Despite receiving only a two-minute minor penalty for his actions, Bennett’s cross-check left Bunting appearing to favor his neck. The incident has been compared to Auston Matthews’ cross-check on Buffalo Sabres defenceman Rasmus Dahlin during a prior outdoor game, resulting in a two-game suspension. Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe has suggested that Bennett’s punishment should be similar to Matthews’. Panthers coach Paul Maurice, however, has refrained from commenting on the comparison. Bennett previously caused an injury to Maple Leafs rookie forward Matthew Knies earlier in the game. The Panthers lead the series 2-0, with Game 3 scheduled for Sunday in Florida. Bennett had 16 goals and 24 assists for 40 points in the regular season and has four goals and three assists in eight playoff games this year.