Panthers’ Sam Bennett banned 3 games for hit to head

On Sunday, the NHL penalized Florida Panthers winger Sam Bennett for three games without pay for an illegal check to the head of Montreal Canadiens forward Cedric Paquette during a game on Saturday.

Bennett’s strike 3:09 into the first period hurt Paquette, who scored twice in Florida’s 5-2 victory. Bennett slid in and smashed a shoulder into Paquette’s head as Paquette grabbed possession of the puck in front of his own net and turned up ice to make a pass.

Paquette was injured in the neck and did not return. Bennett was not called for a penalty on the play.

Bennett, who is 25 years old, is a repeat offender under the league’s collective bargaining agreement and will forfeit just under $162,000 in fines. In 26 games this season, he has 11 goals and six assists.