Particularly in the top-flight professional sports, the acknowledgement of outstanding performers is so cord give with publicity, but for the Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett, there appeared no missing publicity despite his impactful performance in the NHL playoffs. During the current series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the San Jose Sharks as the Panthers get ready for game 3, Bennett continues to toil inexplicably unnoticed when the topic of the Conn Smythe Trophy favorites is being made.
If you were pinning to know where Sam Bennett stands among the NHL players who have been handed the maximum possible number of penalty minutes in the playoffs, you might expect him to figure among the top 20, or even the top 10. To everyone’s amazement, Bennett stands 289 th position and ranked 57 of the list along with Connor McDavid, etc. Notably, Bennett does not rank as the most penalized player on his own team: interim captain Sam Reinhart tops that honour roll with 12 PIM to Bennett’s eight.
Even though these figures could be considered quite low, Bennett was a very valuable to the Panthers indeed. Specifically, the nature of the playoff sports combined with the unique way in which the teams are policed make Bennett invaluable by permitting him to unleash his full potential in the field. He has impacted the team in terms of physical presence, fighting spirit and pestering, which contributed immensely to the establishment securing the finals series and setting the franchise up for its first-ever shot at the Stanley Cup.
As long as he’s able to play the game the way he does, Sam Bennett is every bit as valuable to the Florida Panthers in the playoffs as a superstar NHL player, says @Ken_Campbell27: https://t.co/wmznxYjAaO
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) June 12, 2024
That’s a small profile, but Bennett’s journey this postseason has been a masterclass in impactful hockey. This makes him an excellent forechecker, as his highly aggressive style gains puck possession through hits to force turnovers to score or setup teammates. He stands out as a smart and effective fighter in the tough areas of the rink, including during puck battles and engaging in or around the crease. Due to the fact that Bennett is strong, aggressive and has talent, the latter can perform a dual-role – be it the role as an enforcer who can matched up against the other team’s star player and the role as a scorer who can put the ball past the opposition’s best defender.
It is impossible to single out a few games from Bennett in the playoff run in which he showed time and time again what it takes to play and beat superior teams. It is exactly those goals and assists that have arrived at the right time, though it is his character and personality that makes him unique: he is a leader, he never gives up, he never allows himself to be beaten and most importantly, he never fears to get his hands dirty. This postseason, Bennett has become the embodiment of playoff hockey: rough, persistent, and unstinting.
Bennett plays a crucial role, yet despite this, he is frequently left out of Conn Smythe discussions in favor of more well-known teammates and rivals. Sergei Bobrovsky, Matthew Tkachuk, and Alexander Barkov have all received a great deal of notice for their outstanding performances, and with good reason. But Bennett’s unheralded heroism has frequently given the Panthers the stability and spark they require when things get tight.
Bennett’s ability to play with a rough style without drawing too much attention from officials or opponents may be a benefit given his under-the-radar status. But it’s time to recognize Bennett’s accomplishments as the Panthers get closer to a historic victory. More crucial than any highlight-reel goal is his ability to flip the flow of the game with a single shift or hit.
The Florida Panthers are on the brink of capturing their first Stanley Cup, and while stars like Tkachuk and Bobrovsky might headline the celebration, Sam Bennett’s name should not be forgotten. He represents the heart and soul of this Panthers team, a player whose importance cannot be measured solely by traditional stats.
As the Stanley Cup Final unfolds, Bennett’s performance deserves more recognition. He’s not just a role player; he’s a difference-maker, a cornerstone of Florida’s playoff success. In the annals of Panthers history, Bennett’s 2023 playoff run might one day be remembered as the Conn Smythe snub that fueled a championship. And as the final games approach, fans and analysts alike should keep an eye on number 9, the unsung hero poised to lift the Cup.
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