Panthers news: Sam Bennett scores on his first game back from suspension (Video)

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett made an immediate impact after being suspended for Game 2 of their series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Entering Game 2, the Florida Panthers were looking for any kind of spark to help them overcome a 2-0 series deficit to the reigning Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. At the trade deadline, the Panthers added Sam Bennett to potentially be a spark and in his first game back following a one game suspension, Bennett proved to be that spark.

Early in Game 2, the Panthers got a strong counter attack with rookie Owen Tippett and superstar Jonathan Huberdeau leading the way. Huberdeau did his usual magical things with the puck and Bennett was there to finish an impressive 3 on 2 rush.

Sam Bennett’s postseason legacy continues to grow

Bennett was acquried by the Panthers for precisely that kind of moment. Though Bennett’s regular season numbers haven’t been overly impressive in his career (155 points in 412 games), his numbers in the postseason have always been quite good. In 31 playoff games, Bennett has 21 points. He averages 0.376 points per game during the regular season and 0.677 during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Calgary Flames drafted Bennett with the fourth overall pick in the 2014 draft. They got a second-round pick in 2022 along with Panthers prospect Emil Heineman at the deadline deal. Bennett will be a restricted free agent after this season. He had 15 points in 10 games with the Panthers after being acquired and if his postseason success continues, he could get a very nice raise in the offseason.

Bennett had two assists in Game 1, though he earned a suspension due to a boarding penalty against Lightning forward Blake Coleman during the same game.