The Florida Panthers announced that forward Sam Bennett continues his record-breaking playoff performance after leading the team to a commanding 6-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Bennett delivered a perfect example of his two-way impact in one memorable shift during Monday’s game. He leveled Vasily Podkolzin with a crushing hit in the defensive zone, then scored a breakaway goal moments later to put Florida up 4-1 in the second period.
The goal sparked an emotional celebration between Bennett and teammate Matthew Tkachuk.
"He’s been an animal this whole playoffs. He’s built for this time of year," said Brad Marchand, who opened scoring with his eighth goal of the postseason.
Bennett’s 14 goals lead all playoff scorers this year. His 20 postseason points also top the Panthers’ scoring chart.
The 28-year-old forward has now scored in each of the first three Cup Final games. He posted two goals in Florida’s 4-3 overtime loss in Game 1, then opened scoring just two minutes into the Panthers’ 5-4 double-overtime win in Game 2.
“He can do it all. He doesn’t get fazed. He competes and battles and he’s not scared to go to the dirty areas,” Marchand continued. “When you get in this time of year, you have to be able to go into the dirty areas, and he lives there.”
Bennett’s breakaway goal Monday, assisted by Eetu Luostarinen, extended his goal streak to four games. That matches a Panthers postseason record.
"That goal was the perfect Benny goal," Tkachuk said. "Lays a big hit. (Luostarinen) makes a great block, springs Benny for a breakaway and a great goal."
The performance strengthened Bennett’s case for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. His hot streak comes at a crucial time, with the pending unrestricted free agent set to hit the market after the season.
Bennett finished the regular season with 51 points on 25 goals and 26 assists, ranking fifth on the team in scoring.
Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov praised Bennett’s complete game throughout the playoffs.
"He’s been incredible. Obviously he’s scoring goals, but he’s doing so much more other stuff. He’s carrying the puck in the neutral zone. He’s making plays. He’s defending well. He’s just unreal right now."
The victory puts Florida two wins away from their first Stanley Cup championship. The Panthers are making their third straight Cup Final appearance.
Coach Paul Maurice joked about Bennett’s upcoming free agency during a midgame television interview, warning other teams away from his leading scorer.
"Horrible attitude," Maurice quipped. "I think he’s got bubonic plague. Dengue fever. He’s got a whole bunch of things. We’re not sure he can be cured."
