NHL’s failure to penalize Sam Bennett leaves unanswered questions after Anthony Stolarz injury

The Toronto Maple Leafs started their second-round playoff series off strong with a huge 5-4 victory against the Florida Panthers Monday night. Rather than simply enjoying the victory, however, most of the post-game attention was centered around one frightening moment between Panthers forward Sam Bennett and Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz.During the second period of Game 1, Sam Bennett cross-checked through the crease and rammed his forearm into Anthony Stolarz’s head. At first, the blow was not too bad, Anthony Stolarz stayed in the game for a few minutes. But then, a short while later, he vomited on the bench, which caused him to be taken out of the game and stretchered out of the arena. He was then hospitalized for further investigation.Fortunately, Anthony Stolarz resumed playing for the team the following day, though no information on whether or not he would feature in Game 2 was announced. The incident was assessed by the NHL's Department of Player Safety but led to Bennett being spared a punishment. Several commentators and supporters were surprised when there was no call made for a penalty in the game and there was no resulting suspension.Sam Bennett, who played for the Stanley Cup with Anthony Stolarz as teammates in Florida last season, attempted to brush off the altercation. "It's really just a bump," he said. "There was no forceful action." But on replays, there was a definitive elbow to the head, and most feel that the NHL missed an opportunity not to act on it.Toronto head coach Craig Berube didn’t hold back when asked about the hit. “It’s an elbow to head, clear as day,” he said. But he also made it clear that he doesn’t want his team to focus on revenge in the upcoming games. “We have to focus on the game and play the game the way we need to play it,” Berube said. "You aren’t going to go out, think you are going to get back at Bennett, and end up in the penalty box. We don’t need that."Until Anthony Stolarz can be cleared by doctors, the Leafs will most likely start goalie Joseph Woll for Game 2. Joseph Woll filled in during Game 1 and contributed to the win, making crucial saves to fend off Florida's late charge. Also Read: Sam Bennett Under Fire: How Much Could The Panthers Star Be Fined For Brutal Hit On Anthony Stolarz?