After being sidelined for the entire season due to a lower-body injury, Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett has finally returned to practice. This news comes as a breath of fresh air for both Bennett and the Panthers, as the team has been eagerly awaiting his return to the lineup. Having scored an impressive 44 goals over the past two seasons, Bennett’s presence on the ice has been sorely missed by the Panthers.
During his first practice since the injury, Bennett found himself in a familiar spot, centering a line that includes the explosive duo of Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe. Tkachuk, who finished last season with an impressive 40 goals and a career-high 109 points, has struggled to find the back of the net in Bennett’s absence, recording no goals and six assists in six games. Verhaeghe, who had a breakout season with 42 goals and 31 assists, has also been less productive this season, tallying three goals and no assists.
When Bennett, Tkachuk, and Verhaeghe played together last season, they proved to be a formidable force, outscoring opponents 23-12. The Panthers are hopeful that Bennett’s return will not only boost his linemates’ performance but also provide a much-needed offensive spark for the team.
In addition to Bennett’s return, the Panthers are also dealing with several other setbacks. Captain Aleksander Barkov and defenseman Dmitry Kulikov are currently battling the flu, but there is optimism that they could return to the lineup alongside Bennett. On the defensive end, the Panthers are missing key players Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour, who are both on the injured reserve.
Fortunately, the Panthers can rely on goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who is expected to make his return after getting some rest in the previous game. Bobrovsky has had a decent start to the season with a 2-3-0 record and a 3.06 goals-against average.
As the Panthers prepare to face the struggling Seattle Kraken, another player to watch is center Sam Reinhart. Reinhart currently leads the team in goals (seven) and points (nine) and was recognized as the NHL’s Third Star of the Week after an impressive performance with five goals in three games. His offensive contributions have been vital for the Panthers, and his continued success will be crucial as they look to secure a win against the Kraken.
While the Panthers are eager to make their mark, the Seattle Kraken have had a slow start to the season, losing six of their eight games. Despite their impressive performance as an expansion franchise last season, finishing with 100 points and making it to the playoffs, the Kraken have failed to find their rhythm this year.
The team has rotated between goaltenders Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer, with Daccord boasting a 2-0-2 record and a 2.83 goals-against average and Grubauer yet to secure a win with an 0-4-0 record and a 3.04 GAA. Center Matthew Beniers, the reigning Calder Trophy winner, has struggled to find the back of the net, failing to score a goal and recording just three assists so far this season. Additionally, the Kraken are dealing with injuries to forwards Brandon Tanev and Andre Burakovsky, who combined for 29 goals last season.
Despite these challenges, the Kraken can still rely on defenseman Vince Dunn, who has been a significant contributor on the offensive end. With seven points in eight games, including six assists, Dunn has proven to be a valuable asset for the team. Former Panthers forward Jared McCann has also made an impact, tallying three goals and becoming the Kraken’s first 40-goal scorer last season.
As the Florida Panthers and the Seattle Kraken prepare to face off in what promises to be an exciting game, all eyes will be on Sam Bennett as he makes his long-awaited return to the lineup. Both teams have faced their fair share of challenges so far this season, and this matchup will serve as an opportunity for redemption and to gain momentum moving forward. As the puck drops, only time will tell which team will come out on top.
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