Bennett avoids suspension for cross-checking Bunting in neck

Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett was fined $5,000 for cross-checking Toronto Maple Leafs winger Michael Bunting in the neck in Game 2 on Thursday, the league announced.

Here's the play:

Here's another look:

Bunting was shaken up but was able to stay in the game.

Bennett came under scrutiny for another incident in Game 2 when he slammed Leafs rookie Matthew Knies to the ice.

Knies was forced to leave the game with a concussion and is likely to miss the rest of the series.

Bennett has been suspended twice in his nine-year NHL career. He got three games in 2022 for an illegal check to the head and received a one-game ban in 2021 for boarding.

Bennett, who centers Florida's second line, has recorded four goals and three assists in eight playoff games so far. His Panthers lead Toronto 2-0.