WA-NHL-PendingUFAsuccess On Saturday, the NHL Department of Player Safety issued a $5,000 fine to former Calgary Flames forward Sam Bennett [https://www.nhl.com/panthers/player/sam-bennett-8477935] for roughing. During Friday night's game between the Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins, Bennett hit Penguins forward Drew O'Connor [https://www.nhl.com/penguins/player/drew-o-connor-8482055], but he led with his fist, catching the unsuspecting player in the head. At this point, the Panthers were ahead 2-1, but Pittsburgh scored on the power play to tie the contest at 2-2. Eventually, Florida would win in the shootout, 3-2. Interestingly, this is not Bennett's first questionable check. In last year's playoffs, he hit Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand [https://x.com/spittinchiclets/status/1789781605881364602] in the face. Instead of playing the body, Bennett led his with his glove, catching Marchand in the face. The league did not penalize or discipline Bennett for the play, but Marchand did miss some time following it. During his time with Calgary, Bennett collected 319 penalty minutes, averaging 45 a season with a then-career-high 93 in 2018-19. However, he compiled 100 penalty minutes last season for a new career best. Since joining Florida, Bennett has had 308 penalty minutes, bumping his yearly average to 61. The Panthers host the Flames on Mar. 1, while Pittsburgh and Florida meet again on Mar. 23. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNDI4NzY0NzEyNzA3MjMx/thncgybanner-bookmark.png]
