FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — What We (Think We) Know. Series III, Volume IV.
What We Know
In Game 2, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett either “fell” on, was “pushed” into, or had his heel “kicked” by Stu Skinner, resulting in him landing on an opposing goaltender yet again this postseason.
Bennett settles on goalies` limbs and heads with the same regularity a family of blue jays nests in the backyard daily. The only things missing from Bennett`s presence in Skinner`s crease during the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final are some twigs, his offspring, and a beak full of worms.
What We (Think We) Know
If NHL Series Manager Kris King hasn`t already noticed Bennett`s repetitive actions, he is certainly informed about them every game morning when he meets with Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch and/or GM Stan Bowman, who voice numerous complaints about the strong, bearded Panthers winger.
Clearly, every team desires a player like Sam Bennett. However, it begs the question: where does the act of potentially injuring goaltenders fit within hockey`s ambiguous code of “good, physical play” and the common saying, “No one wants to see anyone get hurt out there?”