Gordie Howe Hat Trick by Sam Bennett Powers Panthers to Victory

Sam Bennett, a forward for the Florida Panthers, put on an all-action performance by registering what is called a "Gordie Howe hat trick," bringing his team to a strong 4-1 victory on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators. Fresh from the high of being a key player in Team Canada's victory at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, Bennett proved his form was still top-notch. In showing the all-around talents of this 28-year-old forward at Bridgestone Arena - including a goal, an assist, and a fight - everyone will know that he's preparing for a big contract out of season.
Bennett struck right away, scoring his 19th of the year during a first-period power play. Assists were credited to Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov. The play kept up its aggressive pace when, as a result of a roughhouse net-front scrum, Bennett engaged Nashville's Cole Smith in spirited combat in the third period.
With Florida comfortably ahead, Bennett completed his "Gordie Howe hat trick" when he assisted Mackie Samoskevich on a late goal that sealed the Panthers' victory. This performance not only ensured that Florida could maintain its momentum but also increased his profile at a time when he drew nearer to free agency following his holding of a current contract which bears a $4.425 million cap hit.

Florida coach Paul Maurice said, “The thing that I enjoy the most is how happy the bench is when they score. The veteran guys cheer for those kids. That's so important to make them feel comfortable and feel like they are a part of it and belong."
Even as Bennett took the headlines, the game had an important milestone for another Panthers prospect, Justin Sourdif. The young forward, who has just been called up from the AHL, scored his first NHL goal in the second period, marking a special moment in his career. Coach Paul Maurice also paid tribute to the wise old men for having taken such players as Sourdif under their wings, stating the importance of team unity.
Goalie Spencer Knight held firm as he turned aside 18 shots to secure victory for Florida, while the only goal for Nashville came courtesy of Michael McCarron, and Juuse Saros turned aside 21 shots on the night for his team.
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Bennett, whose grit-and-energy game once again added value to a team that is going for another deep playoff run after making it to the Stanley Cup Final for two consecutive seasons, continues to press the case for a lucrative extension as unrestricted free agency draws nearer. The ability to mix skill, toughness, and leadership makes him a highly coveted part of the fractions of today's NHL.
A little more for the Panthers in history books as they start adding to that depth and resilience that helps the more prominent players recover from injuries. Great performances like that of Bennett make sure that Florida continues being a force, no one can deny, in the league.