Sam Bennett’s blunt response after controversial goalie interference call in Panthers’ Game 2 win

In a matchup defined by chaos, comebacks, and controversy, Sam Bennett found himself at the center of attention—not just for scoring the opening goal, but for a penalty that sparked debate across the hockey world. Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final delivered fireworks in Edmonton, as the Florida Panthers pulled off a dramatic 5–4 double-overtime win over the Oilers to even the series at one apiece.

The incident came late in the first period, when Bennett barreled into Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner in a high-speed sequence that drew a goaltender interference penalty. The timing, the contact, and what came next fueled frustration on Florida’s bench and confusion among fans. Cameras showed Mattias Ekholm appearing to push Bennett into the crease just before the collision, but the call stood.

With the score tied 2–2 at the time, the Oilers capitalized on the power play, reclaiming the lead. Bennett, when asked about the penalty during the intermission, didn’t mince words. “Very surprised,” he said—before walking away from the interview.

A debated penalty that shifted momentum

The penalty on Bennett immediately tilted the ice in Edmonton’s favor. On the man advantage, Connor McDavid weaved through defenders and set up Leon Draisaitl for a blistering one-timer that made it 3–2. It was a pivotal moment, not just on the scoreboard, but in the emotional tide of the game.

Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers scores during the first period against Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers in Game Two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 06, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Still, the Panthers didn’t buckle. “There’s always adversity,” head coach Paul Maurice said postgame. “What matters is how you answer it.” And answer they did.

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Sam Bennett drops blunt wake-up call to Brad Marchand, Matthew Tkachuk, Panthers after deflating loss vs Oilers

Florida’s resilience carries into overtime

Despite the frustration surrounding the call, the Panthers regrouped. Second-period goals from Dmitry Kulikov and Brad Marchand helped Florida retake the lead. Then, with just under 18 seconds left in regulation, Corey Perry sent the game into overtime with a rebound goal that stunned the crowd at Rogers Place.

But in the second overtime, Marchand—who had already made his mark—struck again. At 8:05, he buried the game-winner, silencing the home crowd and sending the series back to Sunrise all tied up.

With Game 3 looming, Florida not only has momentum, but also home-ice advantage. And while Bennett’s reaction may have been brief, the Panthers’ response was emphatic.