Panthers' Sam Bennett game-time decision for Game 3

Field Level Media|published: Fri 10th May, 14:01 2024

Apr 23, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) looks on against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period in game two of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena. credits: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett will be a game-time decision against the host Boston Bruins on Friday in Game 3 of their NHL Eastern Conference second-round series.

Bennett has missed the Panthers' past five games due to an upper-body injury he sustained while blocking a shot against the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 23.

"He was good this morning," Florida coach Paul Maurice said after the morning skate Friday. "He felt really good. We'll get him a nap this afternoon and get him through the warmup and make a decision then."

The Panthers and Bruins have split the first two games of their series.

Bennett, 27, had one goal and one assist in two playoff games against the Lightning.

He recorded 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists) in 69 games in the regular season.

Bennett has 285 points (137 goals, 148 assists) in 615 career games with the Calgary Flames and Panthers. He was selected by the Flames with the fourth overall pick of the 2014 NHL Draft.

—Field Level Media