Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand face each other in the handshake line

After the Florida Panthers eliminated the Boston Bruins in game 6 last night, Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand had a quick conversation in the handshake line.

The handshake line is one of the most respected and sportsmanlike aspects of the game of hockey. A tradition that sees players who just competed at the most intense level for the last 4-7 games come together and show their respect for one another. That even goes for two people who appeared to have hated each other throughout the series in Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett.

Bennett took Marchand out with a dirty play during the series, throwing a punch to his head when Marchand was trying to deliver a hit. This caused Marchand to miss some time, and Bennett was not disciplined for his actions.




After the series had ended, Marchand and Bennett came face to face in the handshake line and appeared to exchange some words. There is no telling if this was to settle the differences between the two, or if the dislike for one another is going to last.






Clearly, Bennett is getting himself a reputation that goes beyond just 'tough competitor in the playoffs'. He has a history of injuring players during the playoffs, as just last season he took out Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs with a questionable play.

What do you think?