Sam Bennett missed last night's game due to an illness.

Sam Bennett missed the game due to an illness, impacting Florida's lineup as they sought to capitalize on Aleksander Barkov's return to the ice.

Sam Bennett struggled to make an impact in the previous matchup against Minnesota, spending significant time in the penalty box and failing to contribute offensively. His performance was overshadowed by the Wild's strong defense and goaltending, which limited the Panthers' scoring opportunities.

Sam Bennett had a key moment in the game when he was stopped on a breakaway in the third period, which allowed Calgary to maintain momentum and ultimately score shortly after. His missed opportunity highlighted the pressure on players to capitalize in critical situations.

Sam Bennett, a forward for the Panthers, is eligible for free agency next July. With the risk of losing him for nothing, GM Bill Zito may consider trade offers. Bennett played a crucial role in the Panthers' Stanley Cup run last season, making him a valuable asset that could attract interest from teams like the Avalanche and Stars.