Tensions between the Bruins and Panthers have escalated following a controversial hit by Sam Bennett on Brad Marchand.

 Bruins-Panthers animosity hits new level after Bennett hit on Marchand originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The animosity between the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers keeps rising as their Eastern Conference second-round series gets further along.

Panthers center Sam Bennett reportedly won't be fined or suspended for a questionable hit on Bruins left wing Brad Marchand during the first period of Friday night's Game 3 at TD Garden.

Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald reported Saturday that no discipline from the NHL will be coming to Bennett.

Bennett delivered a forceful hit on Marchand near the Bruins' bench, causing the Boston captain to fall. Marchand appeared slow to recover, and although he continued to play through the end of the second period, he was sidelined for the entire third period due to an upper body injury. Notably, no penalty was assessed for the hit.

Initial replays of the incident may not have raised significant concern, but alternative angles, including one captured in a video, suggest the possibility of Bennett making contact with Marchand's head.

Reflecting on the hit, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery offered insights during Saturday's practice. "In real time, my eyes weren’t on there as the puck had left that area," Montgomery conveyed to reporters. "But having seen it, there’s a history there with Bennett. Hard player, but there’s clearly evidence of what went on. People can say it wasn’t intentional, but we have our view of it."

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