Tensions are running high in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett finds himself at the center of controversy once again. Known for his aggressive style, Bennett’s repeated collisions with goaltenders have not gone unnoticed, especially by the Edmonton Oilers.

With tempers flaring both on and off the ice, Oilers players are now publicly voicing their frustration, while the organization is actively engaging with the NHL in hopes of curbing Bennett’s disruptive tactics. The situation has added a new layer of drama to an already intense playoff series, with every game bringing fresh incidents and heated debates.

As the Oilers strive to stay focused and compete, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Bennett and the league’s response. The outcome of this brewing conflict could have significant implications not only for this series, but for the standards of player conduct in the NHL moving forward.

Sam Bennett crashing into Stuart Skinner

Photo credit: Imagn Images

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has been a menace in the playoffs this season, leading the NHL in playoff goals and also incidents involving goaltenders.

Bennett has already run into Stuart Skinner twice in two games this series, after previously injuring Anthony Stolarz and running Frederik Andersen this year. Now, the Oilers are saying enough is enough.

Oilers players call out Sam Bennett, insider reveals team is speaking to NHL

Speaking to the media today after practice, multiple Edmonton Oilers called out Bennett for his antics in front of the net.

EKHOLM: You can accidentally drop into him, but, at one point, enough’s got to be enough.

BOUCHARD: Everybody has their own opinion of it. You really don’t know. It’s a hard job for the league to determine, too.

MCDAVID: He’s always played with an edge, ever since he was a little guy. He’s playing well, scoring goals. Nothing we haven’t seen before, so we’ve got to figure him out. He’s not going anywhere. We’re not going anywhere.

There’s definitely a sense of frustration from the Oilers around Bennett, but McDavid’s attitude is the one driving the players. Him stirring the pot and trying to bait the Oilers into problems is part of Bennett’s game, but the Oilers just have to push through it.

While the players on the ice are just trying to battle through Bennett’s antagonism, the Oilers organization is in dialogue with the NHL.

According to Mark Spector, Coach Knoblauch and GM Stan Bowman are having meetings with series manager Kris King from NHL Head Office.

If series manager Kris King is not already on to Bennett’s migratory habits, he is being made aware of it on the morning of every game when he meets with Edmonton Oilerscoach Kris Knoblauch and/or GM Stan Bowman and gets an earful of complaints.

-Mark Spector

The Oilers are then doing as best as they could to deal with Bennett on and off the ice. The players need to put these problems out of their minds and just compete on the ice, but the organization needs to go to bat for their players when they have the chance.

The NHL does need to wake up to Bennett’s most recent strategy, and call goalie interference anytime he tries to launch himself into a goalie. They began in Game 2, but perhaps the penalty needs to increase if it keeps happening.