Sam Bennett made a welcomed return to practice today for the Florida Panthers, following his absence on Monday, which is believed to have been for maintenance purposes. The 29-year-old forward is set to play in tonight’s highly anticipated matchup against the Anaheim Ducks after breaking a seven-game goalless drought with a goal during Saturday’s game against the Dallas Stars.
During practice, Bennett was seen skating alongside teammates Jesper Boqvist and Mackie Samoskevich, signaling his anticipated role on the second line. His presence is particularly important for the Panthers, who look to build on their recent efforts and regain momentum in the season.
In contrast to Bennett’s return, the Panthers faced a setback with the absence of Evan Rodrigues. The 32-year-old player has been a consistent figure on the roster this season, not missing a single game, but has been nursing a minor injury since the pre-season. Rodrigues has recorded two goals and six points across his first 12 games. His status for tonight’s game remains uncertain and will likely be clarified during warmups.
Luke Kunin, who has been sidelined since the Panthers’ last encounter with the Ducks on October 28, filled in for Rodrigues during practice. He skated alongside Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, showcasing the team’s depth as they prepare for the challenge ahead.
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The practice lines featured a mix of offensive pairings aimed at maximizing potential scoring opportunities. The lines for today’s session were as follows:
– Luostarinen – Lundell – Marchand
– Verhaeghe – Kunin – Reinhart
– Boqvist – Bennett – Samoskevich
– Greer – Schwindt – Gregor
On defense, the combinations included Forsling with Ekblad, followed by Mikkola with Jones, and Sebrango/Balinskis with Petry.
Despite Bennett’s slow scoring start to the season, the coaching staff has expressed confidence in his abilities. They believe his strong defensive play and ability to rebound from previous statistical slumps will ensure he finds his rhythm moving forward.
With the Panthers gearing up for the game against the Ducks, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the lineup evolves and the impact of Bennett’s presence on the ice.
