As the Stanley Cup Final heats up, the spotlight has shifted to the fierce rivalry brewing between Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Florida Panthers assistant captain Sam Bennett. With the series tied and tensions running high, all eyes are on the physical and often controversial style that Bennett brings to the ice—a style that has sparked debate throughout the postseason.

Known for pushing the boundaries and getting under his opponents’ skin, Bennett’s aggressive approach has already left a mark in these Finals, both on the scoresheet and in the headlines. Meanwhile, McDavid, no stranger to facing Bennett from their battles in the Western Conference, remains unfazed by the mind games and rough tactics.

As the Oilers and Panthers prepare for a pivotal Game 3, the matchup between these two high-impact players promises to be a defining storyline, adding another layer of intensity to an already electrifying championship series. In a clash where every shift matters, the battle between McDavid’s skill and Bennett’s edge could very well tip the balance in this quest for hockey’s ultimate prize.

Photo credit: Sportsnet

Oilers star captain Connor McDavid is speaking out about the edgy play from Florida Panthers assistant captain Sam Bennett ahead of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.

The Florida Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 in 2OT on Friday night, evening the Stanley Cup Final at 1-1.

Not surprisingly, the series has been marked so far by the physical play of Panthers assistant captain Sam Bennett, who has drawn controversy all throughout the postseason for his edginess.

Oilers captain Connor McDavid, who faced Bennett multiple times when he was with the divisional foe Calgary Flames, knows that his tactics are nothing new.

Yeah, he’s always played with an edge ever since he was a little guy. So you know, nothing that we had, nothing that we haven’t seen before. But he’s playing really well, you know, scoring goals. He’s good player, and we got to figure him out. So he’s not going anywhere. We’re not going anywhere.

Bennet already has 3 goals in the opening pair of games in the Stanley Cup Final, including a 2-goal performance in Game 1.

Bennett was also whistled for goaltender interference after landing on top of Stuart Skinner in the crease, and has caused multiple controversies throughout the postseason.

Perhaps none more notable was his collision with Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender and ex-Panthers teammate Anthony Stolarz, which knocked him out of the rest of the ECSF series.

Bennett also appeared to deliver an elbow to the head of Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen during the ECF.

He’s been always known as a player with a physical edge to his game, and he’s going to continue utilizing it to try and help the Panthers win a 2nd consecutive Stanley Cup.