Simon Benoit was an assist shy of a Gordie Howe hat trick on Monday night against the Utah Hockey Club.
The Toronto Maple Leafs' defenseman found the back of the net for the first time this season, giving Toronto a 3-0 lead with 15:12 remaining in the second period. It marked just his second goal as a Leaf in 131 games with the club.
Mar 10, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Hockey Club defenseman Michael Kesselring (7) and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit (2) fight during the second period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
However, the goal wasn’t immediately credited to him.
Initially, officials awarded the tally to teammate Steven Lorentz, believing he had deflected the shot. A review followed to determine whether a high stick had been involved, but the call stood, keeping Toronto’s three-goal lead intact.
Later, the goal was officially reassigned to Benoit, giving him his first of the year.
“Right now, I have it, so I’ll enjoy it. Feels good. It’s been a long time since I scored on a goalie; technically, I’ll just take it for now,” said Benoit post-game.
It turned out to be a crucial one.
Utah responded with an immediate comeback, scoring three times in a span of 3:57 to tie the game in the middle frame. The contest remained deadlocked through overtime, leading to a shootout where the Leafs ultimately prevailed 4-3, snapping a three-game losing streak.
“I just want to win. At this point in the season, we just want to get those two points; they’re important,” he added. “We want to finish first in our division, so for me, as long as we win, I don’t care about the rest.”
The Superman Punch
While, normally, a goal for Benoit, who is known for his defensive and aggressive playstyle, would be the highlight of the night, it was his fight immediately after the goal that turned heads.
Right off the ensuing faceoff, Utah’s Michael Kesselring challenged Benoit, and the two dropped the gloves. What followed was something straight out of a movie – Benoit went airborne, launching a Superman punch at Kesselring.
So what inspired the move?
“I think just in the moment I felt I had an opening there, and I just took it,” said Benoit. He wanted (to get) his guys going there, and he asked me. Little smirk, he tried to kind of hurt Bobby (McMann) there in the middle faceoff so I stepped up and protected my teammate.”
“Something I never did. I’m taking notes,” head coach Craig Berube joked. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that. Maybe years ago at some point, someone did it.”
The punch – and the fight – quickly made waves on social media, with images circulating showing Benoit mid-air, his legs sprawled as he delivered the punch. Despite the reaction to his fight, Benoit admitted he had yet to see the trending image of himself.
“I haven’t looked yet. No, I haven’t looked yet. The boys have been telling me about it, but I haven’t looked yet, no,” he said.
However, as the 26-year-old attested to post-game, he attempted to and somewhat landed a similar punch to a lesser extent on December 29, 2023, against Erik Gubranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“I did it last year against, I think, (Erik) Gudbranson. He’s a bit taller, though, and it was harder,” said Benoit.
“Pretty cool. After that, I think I spaced out; I was so taken aback. He said he did it last year, but that was a legit Superman punch. He can chuck ‘em,” added goaltender Joseph Woll.
It was undoubtedly a memorable night for Benoit and a pivotal victory for the Maple Leafs, who dug deep to secure the full two points. The win keeps them within striking distance of the Florida Panthers, whom they trail by just two points for the top spot in the Atlantic Division ahead of their matchup on Thursday in Toronto.
