Sam Bennett defends the hard punch that injured Brad Marchand

“This is playoff hockey. There will be challenging plays. Obviously, it’s bad that he was hit, but that’s simply a hockey play in my perspective.”

After delivering a hard hit that injured Brad Marchand on Friday night, Panthers center Sam Bennett said the incident was nothing but classic playoff hockey.

However, the collision occurred in the first period of Game 3 against the Panthers, keeping Marchand out of the lineup for Sunday’s Game 4 and sparking controversy.

When Bennett made contact with Marchand, he sought to parry the blow with his arms, hitting him in the head. Bruins coach Jim Montgomery described the hit as “outside the lines,” adding that Bennett “knew what he was doing.”

Bennett, on the other hand, insisted that the aggressive play-style is just the outcome of perseverance in playoff hockey.

Sam Bennett stops by for a postgame interview after a big Game 4 win on the road 🍿 pic.twitter.com/zuwpnma6YH

— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) May 13, 2024

“On that play, obviously I’m not trying to punch him in the head like everyone’s saying,” Bennett told the NHL on TNT crew after the Panthers’ third consecutive victory against Boston. “Other people may have different viewpoints.” I’m just bracing myself for when he hits me. I wouldn’t have had time to consider hitting him in the head. People can view it however they wish. It is playoff hockey. There will be challenging plays. Obviously, it’s bad that he was hit, but that’s simply a hockey play in my perspective.”

TNT commentator Colby Armstrong disagreed with Bennett’s assessment, saying he’s known as a “junkyard dog” around the NFL.

“We have seen Sam Bennett do this before. “He also had a Matthew Knies moment in the playoffs last year,” Armstrong said. “I know Bennett, and I know he plays on the edge…” He’s wicked, lives right there, and will get you if he can. “And that was hidden.”

Army, Ace and Biz went back to the tape on the shot Sam Bennett gave to Brad Marchand in Game 3 and they got some thoughts 👀 @armdog @ansoncarterla @biznasty2point0 pic.twitter.com/kqJRr2px5V

— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) May 12, 2024

The Bruins will have another chance to win Tuesday night as they try to avoid elimination in the series after falling behind 3-1. According to Montgomery’s evaluation on Sunday, Marchand’s status is still day-to-day, which means Boston may be without one of their stars for the remainder of Round 2.

The Bruins return to Florida to play the Panthers in Game 5 on Tuesday at 7 p.m.