Slavin exits Game 4 loss after thunderous hit from Bennett

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin exited Game 4 against the Florida Panthers in the first period after a huge hit from Sam Bennett behind the net.

Slavin was in clear distress before Hurricanes staff helped him to the dressing room.

The play wasn't penalized. Slavin missed the remainder of the contest - a 4-3 Panthers victory - with what was classified as an upper-body injury.

Slavin was an integral piece of Carolina's playoff run. The 29-year-old entered Wednesday's game with six points in 14 games while leading all Hurricanes blue-liners in ice time and goal differential.

Bennett has been a constant physical presence for Florida this spring, ranking fourth in the playoffs with 58 hits while chipping in four goals and seven assists.