After sustaining an injury during the Stanley Cup Playoffs opening round, Florida Panthers star centre Sam Bennett will miss Game 1 on Monday. The status of the former Calgary Flames player is day-to-day and he has made progress towards a return to the ice when the Panthers and Boston Bruins meet for their second-round playoff series.
Florida Panthers will miss star centre in Game 1 against Boston Bruins
We meet again, @NHLBruins.#TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/klm2iIJu6s
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) May 5, 2024
Bennett was caught amid a friendly fire during Game 2 with Tampa Bay Lightning, as he was hit by a slapshot from defenceman, Brandon Montour, and immediately skated for the tunnel. As he stepped off the ice, the Panthers faced a big challenge as their second-line centreman was out for at least a week. With a first-round series yet to win, Paul Maurice made adjustments to the lineup and they paid off. Anton Lundell stepped in and played great alongside Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe. Steven Lorentz and Kyle Okposo, both call-ups were crucial as the 4th line became determinant.
Moreover, Kevin Stenlund filled in for Bennett’s role in the PK unit and passed with flying colours. Although not stress-free, the Florida Panthers eventually pushed through and moved on in the Playoffs. Boston presents a bigger challenge, though. And missing star centre Sam Bennett, the Florida Panthers will have an even higher mountain to climb.
Rested and ready
Even though their second-best centre will be out for Game 1 on Monday night, the Cats have benefited from their early win over Tampa. Especially considering Boston has gone through a 7-game series against Toronto after taking a 3-1 series lead. The Bruins punched their ticket to the Second Round thanks to an overtime goal from David Pastrnak in a 2-1 game on Saturday night. 48 hours later the Bruins will hop on the ice for their 4th game in a week-span. The Panthers, on the other hand, have been resting and aiding their wounds since then.
It is not a given, however. Too much rest can be counterproductive, as any boss would say, and the Panthers may be out of gear when the Bs come to town. Maurice’s team is renowned for its intensity and physicality, so it should not take long for the Cats to get back on pace. As Matthew Tkachuk expressed during an interview on The Pat McAfee Show, during Playoffs everybody wants to take any chance to earn days rest whenever they can. The Cats closed out the series against Tampa Bay in 5 games. This was a big morale boost for an already high-spirited roster. Summe with a rewarding week to recharge. Although not fully fit, Sam Bennett took advantage of the time to properly do his rehab. That is without an ongoing schedule to pressure him into a premature return.
For the time being, the Florida Panthers will miss their star centre. Fans love to watch new names step in and step up, nevertheless. The Cats are in a good situation, not yet in emergency mode, and can afford to play without Bennett. Although his addition to this team does wonders and grants them an advantage, at least on paper.
Lomberghini remains in the garage, for now
On other health news concerning centremen, Ryan Lomberg, will not be back on the lineup for Game 1, either. Lomberg has been sick and has not played since Game 1 against the Lightning. He is practicing as an extra but is not fully healthy to dress just yet. Despite his absence, the fourth line has not lost its rhythm. It is still one of the most efficient 4th lines in the NHL, in terms of forechecking and production.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
