Sam Bennett definitely clipped John Tavares in the back of the leg and sent him sprawling backwards. The question is, was it more accident or more on purpose?
He definitely did it on purpose. And the first hit, he was trying to draw a penalty… or Tavares' breath was so bad, that Bennett was explosively blown backwards, because I don't think that "hit" would have done what happened to Bennett.
if you watch the path bennett takes to tavares, in the context of what's happening in the play, it seems obvious that the slew foot is on purpose- he has no reason to be casually sliding down there just to lazily turn his back on the play as it develops. if anything he should be turning into tavares and trying to get inside position. or getting below tavares and cutting back up underneath him to get to the post. but either way, bennett is putting himself out of position by the end of this play as a result of tripping tavares.
Bennett's action was deliberate! A dirty player, too say the least. NO RESPONSE by any Leaf player, unacceptable. This team is still f—ing SOFT, and will go no where in the Playoffs, without team TOUGHNESS and PHYSICALITY. Mark my words. I have watched this same movie for 8 years and counting. 1967????
Of course it was an intentional slewfoot. His legs were clearly positioned for it. There is not doubt in my mind about it. He skated purposefully through Tavares' leg space. We all know Bennett can be a complete ass. I'm amazed that refs are not watching for this guy….esp when getting close to playoff time. He doesn't give a crap about injuring anyone.
Bennett had always been, and will always be a punk ass. This is yet another example of his antics and the unwillingness of the stripes to call him out on it. Loved when they played the Bruins a few weeks ago and Zadorov beat the brakes off him as he tried to slink away.
Definitely on purpose but trying to play it off like a rat would. Not sure if its truly a slewfoot without any contact up high, but a dirty trip either way.
It’s dirty and on purpose but fairly harmless. Good for him for getting away with it. Though great win for the Leafs. I hope they can finally get the best of him and the Atlantic this year.
It was clearly intentional, which is why Bennett made sure his stick was well out of the way, up on his shoulder, so there wouldn't be the appearance of a trip. He knew exactly what he is doing. Small guy rage.
38 Comments
It’s Sam Bennett. Does he ever initiate contact on accident within his field of vision?
He definitely did it on purpose. And the first hit, he was trying to draw a penalty… or Tavares' breath was so bad, that Bennett was explosively blown backwards, because I don't think that "hit" would have done what happened to Bennett.
I'm no fan of Tavares, but Bennett is a dirty MFer and that was clearly a slewfoot.
It's absolutely on purpose. There are a handful of NHL players who don't ever deserve the benefit of the doubt, and Bennett is definitely one of them.
Totally on purpose.
Bennett doesn’t deserve the benefit of the doubt. He throws way too many questionable hits to still think they’re accidental.
Wish the Leafs had a player like Bennett.
Definitely on purpose
if you watch the path bennett takes to tavares, in the context of what's happening in the play, it seems obvious that the slew foot is on purpose- he has no reason to be casually sliding down there just to lazily turn his back on the play as it develops. if anything he should be turning into tavares and trying to get inside position. or getting below tavares and cutting back up underneath him to get to the post. but either way, bennett is putting himself out of position by the end of this play as a result of tripping tavares.
One thing is for sure, if Leafs play Panthers in the playoffs, Bennet will not be manhandling Knies again like he did two years ago.
Well one is a Stanley Cup champion
Bennett's action was deliberate! A dirty player, too say the least. NO RESPONSE by any Leaf player, unacceptable. This team is still f—ing SOFT, and will go no where in the Playoffs, without team TOUGHNESS and PHYSICALITY. Mark my words. I have watched this same movie for 8 years and counting. 1967????
His skating path made no sense in the context which makes it even more obvious that it was on purpose.
Just another case of the league allowing the Panthers away with alot. Nothing new to see
Last year I would have said no. After playing a full series against the Panthers, I've seen him accidentally on purpose this kinda thing so many times
Of course it was an intentional slewfoot. His legs were clearly positioned for it. There is not doubt in my mind about it. He skated purposefully through Tavares' leg space. We all know Bennett can be a complete ass. I'm amazed that refs are not watching for this guy….esp when getting close to playoff time. He doesn't give a crap about injuring anyone.
You even ask if it was on purpose when it involves Bennett? Ahahahaha
I don't have to watch the video, it's Sam Bennet, it was on purpose.
after watching the video, yeah, way too obvious
On purpose. He's a rat like the Marchand and Tkachuk. No wonder Panthers fans throw rats on the ice!
Dirty play from a dirty player
Bennett had always been, and will always be a punk ass.
This is yet another example of his antics and the unwillingness of the stripes to call him out on it.
Loved when they played the Bruins a few weeks ago and Zadorov beat the brakes off him as he tried to slink away.
obviously a slewfoot on purpose
agreed on purpose but it also looks like tavares skate accidentally sweeps bennetts skate which causes him to slip.
On purpose- It's Bennet.
Definitely on purpose but trying to play it off like a rat would. Not sure if its truly a slewfoot without any contact up high, but a dirty trip either way.
He's giving what he got.
Slew foot 100%
Did he dive when Tavares hit him as well? His fall looks odd.
It’s dirty and on purpose but fairly harmless. Good for him for getting away with it. Though great win for the Leafs. I hope they can finally get the best of him and the Atlantic this year.
Slew foot. Those Floridians are all the same. Because Marchand, so
It was clearly intentional, which is why Bennett made sure his stick was well out of the way, up on his shoulder, so there wouldn't be the appearance of a trip. He knew exactly what he is doing. Small guy rage.
Intentional or not, what was Leafs response? Nothing, as usual..
revenge
Nooo, not Sam Bennett, he would NEVER do something like that. Guys all class…..
Bennett is a gentleman on the ice. This is clearly not on purpose.
come on its bennet,its dirty
I wish some players would fix Bennett for good…
Bennett doesn’t do anything dirty accidentally.