During the final seconds of the Florida Panthers' Game 4 matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Aleksander Barkov was hit from behind into the boards by Max Domi. For the hit, Domi received a $5,000 fine for boarding, which is the maximum allowable under the current CBA.
When asked about Domi's hit on Barkov following the matchup, Panthers forward Sam Bennett was happy with Florida's response to it and expects more physicality like that as the series carries on.
"Obviously, he was trying to take a run at Barky at the end there," Bennett said about Domi's dangerous hit. "The boys did a good job jumping in there and sticking up for Barky. Yeah, I mean, it's been a physical series, so I expect more of that."
Based on how this series has gone so far, it would not be surprising in the slightest if we see more very chippy games. Each team has players who are not afraid of the physical side of the game, and Bennett is certainly one player on the Cats who provides plenty of that.
It is going to be very fascinating to see how Bennett and the Panthers respond in Game 5 on May 14 from here. This is a massive contest for both clubs, as the winner will take a 3-2 lead in the series.
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