The Boston Bruins find themselves on the brink of elimination after a third consecutive playoff loss to the Florida Panthers. However, it’s not just the series deficit that has fans and players buzzing—it’s a controversial goal that has everyone talking.
The Incident
In Game 4 at TD Garden, Florida’s Sam Bennett found himself in the middle of yet another contentious play. With the Bruins leading 2-1, Bennett scored a game-tying goal early in the third period. But how he achieved that goal left many scratching their heads.
The Controversy
Bennett’s goal came after he delivered a hard check to Boston’s Charlie Coyle, sending Coyle crashing into Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman. The puck then found its way to Bennett, who capitalized on the open net to even the score at 2-2. The Bruins immediately cried foul, believing that Bennett’s actions constituted goaltender interference.
The Challenge
Head coach Jim Montgomery challenged the call, confident that officials would see the cross-check on Coyle and overturn the goal. To everyone’s surprise, the call on the ice stood after a brief review. The Bruins killed off the penalty for the unsuccessful challenge, but minutes later, Florida’s Aleksander Barkov scored, securing a 3-2 victory for the Panthers.
The NHL’s Decision
Montgomery expressed his frustration with the ruling, emphasizing that Coyle’s position prevented Swayman from reacting to the play. The NHL’s video review department in Toronto ultimately upheld the goal, leaving the Bruins at a loss.
The Fallout
As the Bruins face elimination, questions linger about the consistency of officiating and the interpretation of goaltender interference. Fans, players, and analysts continue to debate whether Bennett’s goal should have stood. Regardless, it’s a moment that will define this series and fuel discussions long after the final whistle.
