Sam Bennett Sidelined Against Devils with Upper-Body Injury
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett, currently the team’s second-leading scorer, was unexpectedly sidelined for Tuesday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils due to an upper-body injury. The injury is a significant setback for the Panthers, given Bennett’s exceptional performance early in the season. In just 15 games, Bennett has recorded an impressive nine goals and six assists, totaling 15 points and trailing only teammate Sam Reinhart. This remarkable start marks Bennett’s best season opening to date, establishing him as a pivotal force in Florida’s lineup.
Bennett’s Impressive Start Interrupted by Injury
Bennett’s injury arrives amid one of his most productive stretches yet. His 15-game total of 15 points reflects a sharp improvement from his previous season-high start two years ago, where he accumulated only 10 points over the same span. This season, Bennett has displayed a heightened level of play, with powerful offensive performances that have boosted the Panthers’ standings. His injury, however, comes with uncertainty; there has been no official word on how or when the injury occurred. Head coach Paul Maurice offered no additional details during the morning skate, only confirming a goaltender change to Spencer Knight in place of Sergei Bobrovsky.
Panthers’ Lineup Adjustments Without Bennett
To compensate for Bennett’s absence, the Panthers moved Mackie Samoskevich into the forward lines. While Samoskevich brings his own skill set, Bennett’s versatility and experience will be hard to replace. Now in his 11th NHL season, Bennett has established himself as a reliable force on the ice, amassing 300 career points with 146 goals and 154 assists over 630 games. His contributions have been particularly impactful since his move from the Calgary Flames to the Florida Panthers, where he continues to excel as a consistent and dynamic player. Last season, Bennett was a critical player in the Panthers’ Stanley Cup playoff run, tallying seven goals and seven assists, proving himself in high-stakes moments.
Upcoming Games and Bennett’s Potential Return
The Panthers are set to host the Devils again on Thursday night, followed by a home game against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday. Bennett’s absence in these matchups will challenge the Panthers to uphold their competitive momentum. Both fans and the team will closely monitor updates on Bennett’s injury status, hoping for a swift recovery. As the Panthers push to maintain their winning pace, Bennett’s return is eagerly anticipated given his early-season impact and leadership on the ice.
