FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Our ongoing `Things We (Think We) Know` series, Volume IV.
What We Know
In Game 2, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett once again ended up on top of an opposing goaltender, specifically Stu Skinner. This marks yet another instance of Bennett colliding with goalies during these playoffs, whether he `fell,` was `pushed,` or had his heel `kicked` by Skinner.
Bennett`s tendency to land on goaltenders` bodies, including their heads, is becoming as regular as a family of blue jays returning to their backyard nest daily. After two games of the Stanley Cup Final, the only things missing from Skinner`s net area with Bennett are nesting materials, his chicks, and some food.
What We (Think We) Know
Even if series supervisor Kris King hasn`t independently noticed Bennett`s repeated goaltender collisions, he`s undoubtedly being informed about them. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch and/or GM Stan Bowman are likely voicing significant complaints about the sturdy Panthers winger during their pre-game meetings with King.
While any team would value a player like Sam Bennett, it raises questions about where the potential to injure goaltenders fits within hockey`s ambiguous code of `good, physical play` and the common saying, `No one wants to see anyone get hurt.`
