Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett suspended one game for boarding

Credit: Sam Navarro

May 16, 2021; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Yanni Gourde (37) and Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) face-off during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has been suspended one game for boarding.

During game one of the Panthers – Lightning series last night, Bennett laid a big hit on Tampa Bay forward Blake Coleman from behind, slamming him into the boards.

Florida’s Sam Bennett has been suspended for one game for Boarding Tampa Bay’s Blake Coleman. https://t.co/sQgkaojSGh
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) May 17, 2021

An error occurred while retrieving the Tweet. It might have been deleted.

After the game, Lightning coach Jon Copper called it a “predatory hit” and said he was happy Coleman was okay.

Benntt was doled out a two-minute minor for charging.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.