The intensity of the Stanley Cup Final has reached a fever pitch, and at the heart of the chaos is Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett, whose relentless style has become impossible to ignore.

With the series now tied and both teams locked in a fierce battle for hockey’s ultimate prize, Bennett’s physical presence around the crease has ignited a firestorm of emotions on and off the ice. His aggressive tactics have not only frustrated the Edmonton Oilers and their fans, but have also become a defining storyline in this year’s championship showdown.

As the Panthers look to secure back-to-back titles, Bennett’s ability to get under the skin of his opponents has proven to be a game-changer, disrupting the Oilers’ rhythm and putting constant pressure on their goaltender. The spotlight is brighter than ever, and every move Bennett makes is scrutinized, debated, and dissected by fans and analysts alike. His unwavering commitment to his playing style, even in the face of controversy, has sent a clear message to Edmonton: he’s not backing down. With high stakes and tempers flaring, the stage is set for more fireworks as this dramatic series continues to unfold.

Photo credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

Sam Bennett has been physical with goaltenders all playoffs long, and after doing so in Game 2, he’s sent a clear and direct message to Stuart Skinner as a result.

For the past few years, Sam Bennett has played on the edge for the Florida Panthers, and in the post-season it’s clearly worked, as they are now in their third straight Stanley Cup Finals.

In the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs however, he’s taken it to a different level, as he was involved in the Anthony Stolarz injury, and has since been in the goaltending crease of his opponents almost more than their goaltenders are.

It’s worked however, as the series is now tied at 1-1, with the Panthers just three wins away from back-to-back Cup victories, and given how furious Edmonton Oilers fans and players get when he’s on the ice, he’s clearly doing his job.

After Game 2, Bennett was asked if he’d stop playing the way he has in the opponents goaltending crease, and unsurprisingly, he’s going to stick with what works, sending a message to Stuart Skinner and the entire Oilers team in the process.

«No, that’s where I am gonna be for the rest of the series»

Thus far in two games of the Stanley Cup Finals, Bennett has 3 goals and a +1 differential, and with just two penalty minutes in that time, the officials are clearly letting things go, so why would he change now.

With the dramatic OT winner from Brad Marchand on Friday night, this series is well and truly alive, and if Bennett can keep scoring and keep disrupting the opposing team, especially their goaltenders, it’s going to be tough to slow down these Panthers as they look to go back-to-back in 2025.