SUNRISE, Fla. — Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett put on a compelling performance that exemplifies why he’s been such a pivotal force in the Stanley Cup playoffs. During Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, Bennett made a memorable impact by delivering a powerful hit that left Vasily Podkolzin floored in the defensive zone, only to sprint across to the other end and nail a sensational breakaway goal.
Bennett’s goal, which increased the Panthers’ lead to 4-1 in the second period of their commanding 6-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night, led to an elated reaction as he celebrated with teammate Matthew Tkachuk. The duo’s response seemed to convey their own disbelief at the sheer brilliance of the play.
This display characterizes Bennett throughout the postseason: a relentless, aggressive player at the forefront of Florida’s push towards a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance. His performance in the latest game enhances his credentials as a contender for the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the playoff MVP. Now, Bennett has propelled the Panthers within two wins of clinching the championship for a second season running.
“He’s been a powerhouse throughout the playoffs. This kind of intensity is his forte,” remarked Brad Marchand, who scored the first goal of the game, marking his eighth in the postseason. “He’s fiercely competitive and intense. You see the physical side of his game in moments like those. He delivers huge hits and manages to lead the offense afterward with an incredible goal.”
Marchand continued to praise Bennett, emphasizing his versatile abilities. “The guy’s unfazed. He competes, he battles, and he’s fearless in confrontational areas. When you’re play-off-deep like this, you need that relentlessness, and he thrives in those conditions.” His enthusiasm for Bennett’s impressive gameplay was so apparent that teammate Sam Reinhart prompted him to conclude his answer during a postgame interaction.
“Oops, I need to wrap this up,” Marchand jokingly noted. “But really, he’s been exceptional.”
During the regular season, Bennett had 51 points (with 25 goals and 26 assists), ranking fifth on the team. However, his postseason prowess stands out with 20 points, leading the Panthers, and with 14 goals, he leads all players in the playoffs. He’s also consistently scored in all three Cup Final games so far. Bennett opened the scoring in Florida’s 4-3 overtime defeat at Edmonton in the series opener and initiated a quick goal within two minutes in Florida’s intense 5-4 double-overtime triumph in Game 2.
“He’s been outstanding,” said Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov. “His game extends beyond scoring. He advances the puck skillfully through midfield, orchestrates plays, and exhibits strong defensive abilities. He’s truly extraordinary at the moment.”
Bennett’s breaking free to score once again, aided by an assist from Eetu Luostarinen, set a Panthers postseason record of scoring goals in four consecutive games.
“That epitomizes Benny’s style,” Tkachuk added, “after a huge hit, (Luostarinen) delivers a superb block, setting Benny up for a classy breakaway goal.”
This scoring surge couldn’t have come at a better moment for Bennett, as he approaches free agency after the season. Panthers coach Paul Maurice, aware of this, humorously issued a tongue-in-cheek warning to potential suitors considering the postseason sensation.
“Terrible temperament,” Maurice quipped in a midgame broadcast. “Carrying the bubonic plague maybe? Dengue fever? Who knows, really? We doubt he’s curable.”