Lightning's Cooper: Bennett's hit on Coleman was 'predatory'
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper called out Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett for his check on Blake Coleman in Game 1 on Sunday night.
Cooper said it was a "predatory hit," according to NHL.com's Brian Burns.
Awful hit by Bennett on Coleman that is worthy of a major penalty. Charging + boarding. Only gets two minutes.. pic.twitter.com/Arg2Qz6gRx
— NHL Safety Watch (@NHLSafetyWatch) May 17, 2021
Bennett received a two-minute minor for charging on the play, and the penalty marked a significant momentum shift in the game. Brayden Point scored on the ensuing power play to tie the contest in the third period, and then he potted the game-winner just under six minutes later.
Game 2 is set for Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET.