“Very surprised”: Sam Bennett makes feelings known about goalie interference call after collision with Stuart Skinner

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett didn’t mince any words as he was interviewed during the first intermission of Game 2 in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.

Here’s a look at the play Sam Bennett referred to in his comments:

Bennett appears to be pushed into Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner by blue liner Mattias Ekholm. However, the replay showed that Bennett had let himself flop onto the ice, landing on Skinner’s leg.

Skinner lay on the ice for a few moments before getting back up. He remained in the game. When asked about how he felt about getting a goalie interference call on the play, Sam Bennett replied:

“Very surprised.”

The two-word response underscored how he felt about the play. Meanwhile, Oilers players immediately called for a penalty on the play. Bennett got the gate for two minutes.

The penalty was costly as Leon Draisaitl buried his 10th of the postseason on the ensuing power play.

Here’s a look at the goal:

Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard assisted on the goal that gave the Oilers a 3-2 in what was a wild first period filled with goals and penalties.

The two teams combined for five goals and 22 penalty minutes as the Oilers went 1-for-4 and the Panthers 1-for-3 with the man advantage.

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety may look at the play following the game to determine if supplemental discipline may be forthcoming.

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Sam Bennett no stranger to goalie interference controversies

Bennett was the subject of a similar controversy during the second round against the Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn

Sam Bennett’s collision with Stuart Skinner isn't the first time he’s embroiled in a similar controversy.

During the Panthers’ second-round series with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bennett protagonized a collision with Toronto goaltender Anthony Stolarz. Bennett elbowed Stolarz, a former teammate from last season, in the head.

The collision caused Stolarz to leave the game. He didn't return to the series, as he was diagnosed with a concussion.

Here’s a look at the incident:

Bennett, meanwhile, didn't receive a penalty or face any supplemental discipline following the game. When asked about the play, Bennett assured that it was an accident, as contact was purely incidental, given how the play unfolded.

The Panthers eventually beat the Maple Leafs in seven games as Toronto was forced to roll with backup goaltender Joseph Woll amid Stolarz’s inability to play for the remainder of the series.