Brad Marchand Taken Out by Sam Bennett, Bruins Have Bigger Problems

On Friday night in Boston, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett took out Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand with a questionable play. It was very subtle, but you can see the intent. Some will say that since it's Marchand, we will excuse the questionable play. He had it coming anyway, right? Bennett is known to be a dirty player who takes liberties against the opposition on the ice. This is a known fact.

okay I know my opinion but I'm curious, did Bennett sucker (rabbit) punch Marchand here or not? probably doesn't matter, but I'm curious what the masses think.#NHLBruins | @OnlyBruinsPod pic.twitter.com/FsECQMF8CS

— PrimeTime Brett (@bretthoward_) May 11, 2024

Here's a different angle of the hit in question.

Here’s another angle of the Bennett sucker punch#NHLBruins | @BruinSomethin pic.twitter.com/5vJGmXlpSh

— Michael Sullivan (@_MikeSullivan) May 11, 2024

Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery didn't pull any punches, "there's clear evidence of what went on." According to Montgomery, Marchand is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

“People can say it wasn’t intentional, but we have our view of it.”

Jim Montgomery‘s full comments on the Sam Bennett-Brad Marchand collision that injured the Bruins captain. pic.twitter.com/1sgAehh4QH

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 11, 2024

No matter how you feel about the hit, the Bruins have bigger problems. Once again, the Panthers are living rent-free in the Bruins' heads. If the Bruins don't start playing and stop worrying about what the Panthers are doing, this series is going to be over in five games. Someone needs to step up and start making plays. 

What's even more concerning is that none of the Bruins responded to the hit on their captain. If the players actually played by the hockey code, one of the leaders on the Bruins would have a chat with Matthew Tkachuk; he would tell him that if you take any more liberties with our players, we're going to start with the star players and go from there. 

UPDATE: Here's a better look at Sam Bennett's fist to Marchand's face. You can see it's a dirty hit that should've resulted in a look from the NHL's Department of Players Safety. 

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

Florida's William Lockwood Takes Out Wild Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, Lockwood has a hearing with the Department of Players Safety

Last night the Minnesota Wild took on the Florida Panthers in a non-conference game in South Florida. The game started out with a bang, literally. 

At the 2:15 mark of the first period, Wild goalie Mark Andre Fleury went behind the net to play a puck, at the same time, Panters forward William Lockwood interfered with Fleury knocking him to the ice. If you watch the video, you will see that Fleury absorbed a vicious hit. 

For those that are wondering, Lockwood isn't a skilled player and was probably on the ice to cause havoic. Look at his stats, he's not known for his skill, in 51 NHL games, he's scored (0g-2-a--2pts). What was his purpose for being on the ice? Yes, he's in the NHL, but I don't see a lot of teams trying to pick him up in free agency. 

Midway through the game Fleury would leave the game and no return. The Panthers are notorious for being a dirty team.

Wild start to this game 👀 pic.twitter.com/GvUoz4GLe3

— Bally Sports Florida: Panthers (@BallyPanthers) January 20, 2024

Lockwood will have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety. I won't even try to predict how they will rule, George Parros has natoriously been soft on offending players.

Florida’s William Lockwood will have a hearing today for goalie interference on Minnesota’s Marc-Andre Fleury.

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) January 20, 2024

At the 5:58 mark of the first period, Lockwood fought Minnesota Wild forward Brandon Duhaime. The proper response for attempting to decapitate the Wild's goalie Fleury.

Former Teammates: Adam McQuaid vs. Shawn Thornton fight

Two former teammates fight after a questionable hit. The combatants Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid and Florida Panthers forward Shawn Thornton. McQuaid didn't even look like he wanted to fight Thornton.

Fighting is and should remain part of hockey. Thornton fight and subsequent comeback just more proof why.

— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) March 8, 2016

Jared Cowen Suspended Three Games

Here's the latest from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen was given a three-game suspension for this this hit on Florida Panthers forward Jussi Jokinen.

(Video) Sean Bergenheim Lights up Bobby Farnham

Florida Panthers forward Sean Bergenheim lights up Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bobby Farnham with a stiff, hard, legal hit. This is a text book body check.

Nick Bjugstad's Sick Shootout Goal

Former Minnesota Golden Gopher Nick Bjugstad scores a sick game-wining shootout goal for the Florida Panthers against the Washington Capitals. The shootout in question went 20 rounds before the Panthers ended up winning the game.

Rocco Grimaldi Scores His First NHL Goal

Former Fighting Sioux forward Rocco Grimaldi scores his first NHL goal in his seventh NHL game.

ROCCO!!! @RGrimaldi23 nets his first @NHL goal with 42 seconds on the clock. #FLAvsNSH pic.twitter.com/05rOjHrVTl
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) November 23, 2014

Matheson to return to the Boston College Eagles

#476775169 / gettyimages.com

The Boston College Eagles received some good news when Michael Matheson announced that he’s returning to the Eagles for his junior season. The Pointe-Claire, Quebec native played in 38 games for the Eagles last season, scoring (3g-18a—21pts).

Alain Poupart - NHL.com --- The Fellow defenseman Michael Matheson, the Panthers' first-round pick in 2012 (No. 23), had a strong outing in the same game, although he didn't score. He won't be in training camp with the Panthers two months from now, though, because he'll be preparing for his junior season at Boston College.

For Matheson, waiting one more season is simply part of the process.

"I have to go back there and work hard and make sure I develop my game so that I can get it to this level," Matheson said. "I just felt that I could develop more at BC and that I have some more developing to do there.

Grimaldi Takes Talents to South Beach

#158998636 / gettyimages.com

Ok, I know I am a day late on this on, but I needed to figure out how I wanted to word this post. As it was announced yesterday, UND Junior forward, Rocco Grimaldi signed with the Florida Panthers yesterday. The California native would sign a three year entry level deal worth around $3.2 million. Rocco was drafted 32nd overall, which is the second pick of the second round, in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in St. Paul, Minnesota.

I myself have some memories in the two full seasons I was able to see him skate at UND, but my favorite memory is probably when he scored his first goal against Minnesota back in November of 2011. It was a game I was fortunate to be attending while back home for a weekend my freshman year, but what made it most memorable was his celebration. Replicating his idol, Tim Tebow, it possibly was the best celebration in college hockey that season. However, Rocco would miss most of this season due to a knee injury, and was forced to take a medical red shirt for the remainder of the 2011-2012 season.

Rocco was by far the fan favorite in his time at North Dakota, and with good reason. He was fast, and would dazzle the crowd with his great hands. However, his likeness to pull the flashy moves would cost UND at times where taking the shot would be the better option. However, when they did work they were all highlight reel goals that would leave the entire crowd speechless.

Grimaldi would lead UND in points this year with 37 and would make a statement in the NCAA tournament as well. His presence was well felt on the ice greatest in the Wisconsin game when he would earn his first collegiate hat trick, leading UND to a 5-2 victory.

It is hard for me to say if Rocco will have success in the NHL, or even make it into the NHL, but we wish him the best of the luck in whatever his career has in store for him.

Rocco Grimaldi signs with NHL’s Florida Panthers

#159977402 / gettyimages.com

Rocco Grimaldi was an absolute gem to cover, and I am going to miss him. Grimaldi is an electrifying player that can change a game with his speed and offensive imagination. Good luck to him.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota sophomore forward Rocco Grimaldi has signed an entry level contract with the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers and will forgo his final two years of collegiate eligibility. The Panthers selected Grimaldi in the second round (33d overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Grimaldi led North Dakota in points (39) and goals (17) in 42 games in 2013-14, establishing career highs in both categories. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2014 NCAA Midwest Regional in Cincinnati after recording his first collegiate hat trick in UND’s semifinal win over Wisconsin. His performance helped lead UND to its 20th appearance in the NCAA Frozen Four.

The 5-foot-6, 172-pound Grimaldi also earned Academic All-NCHC honors in 2013-14 and won the team’s Virg Foss 3-Star Award for accumulating the most 3-star voting points during the regular season.

In 2012-13, Grimaldi was named to the All-WCHA Rookie Team and was voted UND’s Rookie of the Year after leading all WCHA rookies in points (36) and assists (23), while also topping the nation’s rookies with 147 shots on goal. That same season, Grimaldi helped lead the United States to a gold medal at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship in Russia. He was named U.S. Player of the Game in the gold medal win over Sweden after scoring both the game-tying and game-winning goals.

Grimaldi’s initial freshman season at UND in 2011-12 was cut short after just four games due to a season-ending knee injury. He finished his collegiate career with 31 goals and 46 assists and a plus-22 rating in 86 games.

A native of Rossmoor, Calif., Grimaldi is UND’s second player to sign an NHL contract since the end of the 2013-14 season, joining senior defenseman Dillon Simpson, who signed with the Edmonton Oilers.

.@RGrimaldi23 Agrees to Entry-Level Contract with #FlaPanthers http://t.co/r6H0hW61kF
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) May 7, 2014

Pierre McGuire interviews Devils forward Travis Zajac

NBC's Pierre McGuire interviews New Jersey Devils forward Travis Zajac. The Former UND forward gives the University of North Dakota  hockey team some love going into the Frozen Four.

Crazy OT Thought for the NHL...and maybe other leagues (RW77)

Overtime Power Play Face Off (Photo credit: clydeorama)

I was driving around, listening to the Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers game on SiriusXM and the Florida commentators (never got their names) were talking about the upcoming considerations regarding Overtime and the Shootout.

The growing opinion is that the shootouts are not popular among players and coaches because it takes away the team aspect of winning among other things.  Aside from the commentator having a ridiculous reason (airports close so their private jets cannot take off if the game ends, say, 10 minutes later than it would normally.  Ok, nothing prohibits the aircraft from taking off first thing in the morning?), they brought up a few ideas such as 3 on 3s or lengthening OT to 8 or 10 minutes.

I got a crazy idea.  And yeah, it's crazy.  Instead of doing a shootout, why not solve the game outside of OT via the powerplay?  If OT ends and it is still a tie, they resurface the ice and put two minutes up on the clock.  The home team starts off with a 4 on 3 powerplay for 2 minutes.  If the home team scores, the visiting team gets a 4 on 3 powerplay to tie it up.  If they don't score, game over.  If they do, they reset and move to 5 on 3 powerplay for 2 minutes.  I should say:  Shorthanded goals end the game immediately (sort of sudden death).  It's sortof a restating of the college football OT rules.

My original idea, which is you play 10 minute OT periods until someone scores, seems to no longer be ok, so what about this crazy idea?

Can you come up with a better idea? 

Corban Knight makes his NHL Debut

#Flames Snapshot: @CorbanKnight hits the ice for his first @NHL shift! #CGYOTT pic.twitter.com/ns8ZUcnC2M
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 6, 2014

Former Fighting Sioux forward Corban Knight became the 13th former UND hockey player to play in the NHL this season.

Nice to see the kid get a shot. pic.twitter.com/Bl0kfspplO
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) March 6, 2014

Florida Panthers: Tim Thomas snaps on Carl Soderberg

Former Boston Bruins and current Florida Panthers goalie Tim Thomas made his return to Boston tonight and Timmy's new team didn't do very well against his old team. In fact the Panthers were shell 6-2 by the Bruins. Check out Thomas, as he goes Paul Bunyan on Boston Bruins forward Carl Soderberg.

NHL Suspends Florida Panthers Jesse Winchester three games for dirty elbow on Chris Kelly

This was a very good call by the NHL's Department of Player Safety, this is an illegal check to the head. That fact that there wasn’t a penalty called on the play is a head scratcher. I didn't think Jesse Winchester would get three game for this bush league hit, but I applaud the decision. Players have got to eventually get the message that cannot make these hits anymore, it's no longer acceptable to do this.  There was no reason for Jesse Winchester to hit Chris Kelly in this situation, he's better off to let him go. 

NEW YORK -- Florida Panthers forward Jesse Winchester has been suspended for three games, without pay, for elbowing Boston Bruins forward Chris Kelly during NHL Game No. 230 in Boston on Thursday, November 7, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Winchester will forfeit $9,230.76. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

The incident occurred at 4:52 of the first period. No penalty was assessed on the play.

Florida Panthers Jesse Winchester elbows Chris Kelly; no call

I love hard hitting hockey, I love a good fight, but this crap by Florida Panthers forward Jesse Winchester. This is a dirty hit,  the Florida forward throws a dirty chicken wing elbow on Boston Bruin's forward Chris Kelly. Come on! I believe dirty hits like this should cause a player to miss a minimum of one game. This should be an automatic suspension with what we know about concussions and head injuries. There no excuse for this crap.

There no excusing this hit. If a player has to lunge to make contact to hit another player, let them go. It was a dirty elbow. In my opinion, the refs blew this call. 

Later in the game, Jesse Winchester would pay for his bush league hit by having to fight Bruins middle weight Gregory Campbell. Gregory Campbell with the decision in the fight.

Here's a great read by Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston...

ESPN Boston: HEAD SHOT: The Bruins' Chris Kelly was on the receiving end of an elbow to the head by Winchester early in the first period. Winchester left his feet and caught Kelly in the head with the blow. Kelly remained on the ice for a moment and was tended to by team trainer Donnie DelNegro before skating off the ice and going to the locker room. Kelly seemed dazed but quickly returned to action. No penalty was called on Winchester, but the Bruins' Gregory Campbell took care of business when he dropped the gloves with Winchester on the ensuing shift.

Tampa Scores on Own Net; Jonathan Toews Gets Credit For Goal

Easy goal for Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews eh? I would imagine that this flukey goal will create a buzz on the internet in the near future. Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, they still ended up losing in to the Tampa Bay Lightning in overtime.  That was the fourth goal of the season for Toews who seems to have gotten off to a slow start for the Blackhawks scoring (4g-3a—7pts) in 10 games.

Tim Thomas to the Florida Panthers

FLA just working thru final insurance issues and if all goes as expected today, Tim Thomas will be back on the ice with the Panthers.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 16, 2013

Related articles

• Tim Thomas: The Unwanted Goalie (thehockeywriters.com)

Scott Gomez signs with Panthers

Scott Gomez gets 900k for on 1 year deal from #Panthers.
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) July 31, 2013

Forward Scott Gomez signs with his third NHL team in three seasons. Gomez has played in the NHL for 14 seasons, scoring (171g-530a--730pts) and he has had a hard time hitting the back of the net, as of late, scoring only 11 goals in the last three seasons. Advice, don't select him for your fantasy team.

Related articles

• Scott Gomez signs one-year contract with Panthers (cbssports.com)

NHL returning to Olympics

Pictograms of Olympic sports - Ice hockey (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It would appear that the NHL is headed back to the Olympic games for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. This is good news for the fans that like to watch the Olympics with the NHL players.

Kevin McGran, thetorontostar.com --- If the NHL goes to Sochi, the league will take a 17-day break to accommodate the Winter Olympics, the Star has learned.

A source told the Star that a leaked copy of the Florida Panthers’ 2013-14 NHL schedule suggests the league is going to take time off in February to accommodate the Games.

The Panthers are not commenting on the schedule that is making its way through Twitter but a copy of it was obtained by the Miami Herald.

On it, the Panthers play Feb. 7 and then again Feb. 27.

The NHL is expected to announce its participation in the Olympics this week and release a full schedule.

Related articles

• Leaked schedule suggests NHL returning to Olympics (thestar.com)
• Kovalchuk Retires, Defects to Russia (insidehockey.com)
• Is the NHL closer to sending its players to 2014 Sochi Olympics? (ndgoon.blogspot.com)