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Time of India
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett roasted online for ‘apology' following Stanley Cup antics
Sam Bennett (via Getty Images) Florida Panthers winger Sam Bennett ignited widespread outrage on Reddit after he apologized for previous dirty hits—offered as part of the team's Stanley Cup celebration—and went viral for all the wrong reasons. Quoting a speech pilfered from Conor McGregor, Bennett's divisive comments unleashed a torrent of criticism from hockey fans, reigniting controversies surrounding sportsmanship, violence in hockey, and how far is too far when celebrating a championship. Sam Bennett's speech in quoting Conor McGregor inspires mockery from fans as controversy breaks out regarding his 'dirty hits' Sam Bennett's on-ice reputation has been a long source of debate — as a gritty, physical winger, he's also been often criticized for straying from the right side of that line into endangering and dirty play. But after assisting the Florida Panthers in winning their first Stanley Cup, his moment on the mic didn't see him find redemption—it fanned controversy anew. In the victory parade speech, Bennett gave a speech that was widely seen as tone-deaf, an echo of an old Conor McGregor saying: "I just want to apologize. to absolutely nobody." It was meant to be sarcastic or defiant, but for many fans, it came off as tasteless — especially given some of the recent hits for which he's been criticized, such as the elbow to Anthony Stolarz and a hit on Matthew Knies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Sam Bennett Finally Apologizes One of the best Reddit comments captured the mood: "There will be no sympathy when some takes a liberty with Bennett." Another called out, "Sounds like he had a bit to drink before taking the mic. Like he had hiccups or something." Another said, "The league has had every opportunity to make a change, but they're showing his highlights on NHL Network instead. This is exactly what they want." Notably, even some of the Panthers fans were let down. One self-identified former season ticket holder penned, "The McGregor quotes were totally cringy and stupid by the players." Others complained about the departure from classy celebrations in past years, likening it to Alex Ovechkin's celebratory 2018 Cup night, which stayed upbeat without going after opponents. Also read: 'Apologize to absolutely f-----g no one': Sam Bennett fires back at 'dirty play' claims Sam Bennett might have raised the Stanley Cup, but his off-ice comments have added another layer to his divisive image. While some will always admire his physicality of play, most are now questioning the character behind the jubilation—and whether the NHL is being proactive enough in encouraging responsibility over brutality. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Playoffs: Tension rises as second round sparks fly
Washington Capitals raises his arms in celebration as scores an empty net goal against the Montreal Canadiens (Credit: Getty Image) The chase for hockey's ultimate prize has reached its next chapter. Three teams have already secured their spots in the conference semifinals. The rest fight tooth and nail to join them. Every shift matters. Every shot could be the difference. Carolina Cruises Ahead as Capitals Finally Taste Playoff Glory 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Begin! 🎥 This is Forever 🏆 Carolina wasted no time dispatching New Jersey in five games. Sebastian Aho's double-overtime dagger in Game 5 sent the Hurricanes through. This marks their fifth straight conference semifinal appearance. Their speed and depth make them a constant threat. Now they face their toughest test yet. The Metropolitan Division's top seed awaits them. Washington finally broke through after years of first-round exits. The Capitals look dangerous with Ovechkin leading the charge. This matchup promises fireworks. Washington's victory over Montreal came with relief. The Capitals hadn't advanced past Round 1 since their 2018 Cup win. Their veteran core knows this might be their last shot at glory. The power play looks lethal. The physicality remains punishing. Their reward? A showdown with division rival Carolina. These teams split the season series. Both play with relentless pace. The goaltending duel could decide it. Special teams will be crucial. Every inch of ice will be contested. Panthers Hunt Repeat Championship Winnipeg Jets scores a goal against the St. Louis Blues (Credit: Getty Image) Florida picked up where they left off last postseason. They eliminated Tampa Bay in five hard-fought games. The defending champs showed their championship pedigree. Their balanced attack overwhelmed the Lightning. Now they wait for their next opponent. Either Toronto or Ottawa will challenge them. Both present unique problems. The Panthers' experience gives them an edge. Their defensive structure remains rock-solid. The hunger to repeat fuels their fire. No team wants to face them right now. Out West, nothing is settled yet. Winnipeg and St. Louis wage war in a brutal series. The winner gets either Dallas or Colorado. Both potential matchups would showcase elite offensive talent. The goaltending will be tested nightly. Vegas and Minnesota fight for survival. The survivor earns a date with Los Angeles or Edmonton. McDavid and the Oilers seek redemption. The Kings want to prove they belong. Every game out West delivers edge-of-your-seat action. Read more: Oliers Overpower Kings in Game 5, Grab Series Lead Road to the Cup Gets Tougher The NHL hasn't set Round 2 dates yet. The bracket won't reseed after the first round. Matchups are locked in by division. The intensity only grows from here. Overtime thrillers become more common. Role players emerge as heroes. Every mistake gets magnified. The best hockey of the year is still to come. The quest for the Cup enters its most exciting phase. The second round separates contenders from pretenders. Legends are born in these moments. The hockey world watches as the drama unfolds. One thing is certain - nothing comes easy from here. The battle for supremacy has only just begun.
