Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Built for the playoffs.
If you look up “playoff hockey” in the dictionary, you will probably find a picture of Sam Bennett.
Complete the style of the game, which appears to get better and better under bright light, the Grizzle Center is ready to help the Florida Panthers defend the crown as Stanley Cup champions.
“This is something we’ve been working all year round,” Bennett said following practice at the Baptist Health Ice Plex on Friday. “Playoff hockey is the best time.”
Bennett brings offensive and physicality, a threat on both sides of the pack.
Dressed in suits in 39 postseason games over the past two seasons with the Panthers, “Playoff Sam” has 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists), 20 blocking shots, 13 takeouts and an astounding 171 hits.
With that range, NHL players have not recorded more hits in the playoffs.
“If Sam Bennett played 30 years ago, he would have been fine,” coach Paul Maurice said. “He has several generations within him and his style.”
Without shaking the style of play, Bennett’s numbers match between the regular season and the playoffs.
In 76 games this season, the Ontario native has recorded a career-high 51 points (25 goals, 26 assists) with 45 blocking shots and 145 hits.
A key piece in the middle of the second line, he helped the Panthers control 54.27% of shot attempts and 54.06% of their expected target, 5-for-5.
Maurice believes Bennett’s playstyle is especially key to one statistic in one or more respects.
I’ll win.
“That’s our hope for our hockey team and for one of these teams,” he said. “I think we’re in a group of teams that respect the opponents completely, but not only do you have a good year by making the playoffs and doing good runs, but your successes and failures are winning right now.”
