Latest news with #ConnSmythetrophy
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
From grit to greatness: Sam Bennett's legendary 2025 playoff run
Image Via Getty (Sam Bennett's legendary 2025 playoff run) In the flashing of numerous cameras and the uproar of the massive crowd filling the arena for such historic days, Bennett was more than a player; he was the heartbeat that kept the Florida Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories alive, with Bennett's clutch performances in combination with grit and a record-breaking playoff run that defined Florida's postseason journey in the first place. With the spotlight about to shift to what the future holds for him, Bennett's brilliance in the playoffs has simultaneously inscribed his name into the depths of both NHL history and Florida's legacy. The postseason brilliance of Sam Bennett redefined what clutch performance means There are hockey players for regular seasons, and then there are players such as Sam Bennett, built for big-time hockey. During the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Florida Panthers forward emerged as the indispensable heart of the offense. Bennett ended the postseason with the most goals of any player in this year, 15 in 23 games. But the truly famous one? Thirty-two percent of those goals were huge road goals, actually 13, an NHL record for most road goals scored in a single postseason. The Identity of the Florida Panthers is Sam Bennett Following through on dramatically elevated levels of pressure, the first-round pick's forechecking and physical presence attracted the eyes of many. His performance was about that moment, not necessarily when He scored. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This $7 Generic Cialis Is Actually Worth It FridayPlans Learn more Undo During the finals, Bennett yielded five goals against the Edmonton Oilers at these crucial junctures: momentum was either broken or cast on pressure. The analysts had opined that Bennett was a hallmark of a man who rose to deliver in a high-danger scoring situation. He performed in any situation, be it low-scoring chances, pushing pucks to the net, or scoring with pressure mounting on him. Serving as his advantage was his prowess in reading the play transition and exploiting gaps in the defense. The Edge tracking League data also noted his elite skating endurance and burst speed, placing him in the top percentile for offensive exertion. Conn Smythe trophy and the historic repeat for the Panthers In recognition of his outstanding efforts, Bennett received the Conn Smythe Trophy, which made him the first player in Florida Panthers history to garner the Playoff MVP honors. It was not just another award; it mirrored Bennett's contributions during Florida's dream run. Early in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, Bennett scored just over two minutes into the opening period on enemy ice, swinging equilibrium in favor of the Florida Panthers. Another well-timed goal in Game 5 essentially sealed the fate of the series for the Panthers. What made his impact more deeply felt, was the consistency with which the idea was maintained: Bennett racked up points in six consecutive games in the Finals, always ensuring his dominant presence in front of the net. Not merely a goalscorer, he doubly continued to serve as an enforcer and leader, taking hits, drawing penalties, and making space for his linemates. The future is uncertain, but Sam Bennett's place in Panthers lore is permanent With all those trades and free-agency questions being bounced around, it would be impossible for analysts and fans alike not to ask, "What's next for Bennett?" Little hints of staying in Florida have been dropped by Bennett, yet no official announcement regarding an extension has been made. Regardless of where Bennett goes next, his role in the official history of Florida's back-to-back Cups will never be forgotten. It has proven that every championship team needs someone like Sam Bennett: fearless, relentless, and unshakably clutch. Also Read: Hockey hearts: Stories of the Love of NHL stars and their remarkable partners Bennett's 2025 playoff campaign was nothing short of legendary. From setting road-gaol records to winning MVP, he became the ultimate postseason Wunderkind for the Panthers. Wherever he ends up next, he has a guaranteed legacy in Florida. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Miami Herald
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
‘I ain't ... leaving,' Panthers' Sam Bennett says at Miami nightclub celebration
The Florida Panthers continued their Stanley Cup championship celebration Thursday night into Friday morning by traveling south to Miami for a night at E11even, a world-famous nightclub where they also partied after their first title a year ago. Amid the frenzied party — which included Sam Reinhart climbing a stripper pole, Brad Marchand crowd surfing and, yes, plenty of booze flowing — a key player might have revealed big news regarding his future with the team. Center Sam Bennett, who won the Conn Smythe trophy as playoffs MVP and is slated to become a free agent on July 1, told the crowd from the main stage that he intends to stay with the team long-term. 'I ain't [expletive] leaving!' Bennett proclaimed to the crowd partying with the team. Now, nothing is official on a deal just yet, but Bennett is a player the Panthers are prioritizing bringing back. He has been an identity player for the franchise during the past few years with his combination of physicality and scoring touch embodying the exact style of play Florida has been honing for three years under coach Paul Maurice. His stellar postseason — he led the league with 15 goals while also finishing second with 107 hits — made for the case that his price tag could skyrocket if he chooses to test the open market. But Bennett has found a home in Florida and saw a career resurgence here. After struggling to take off to start his career with the Calgary Flames, Bennett thrived when given an expanded opportunity with the Panthers. Bennett has put up 196 points (95 goals, 101 assists) over 289 regular-season games while laying out 616 hits and blocking 151 shots. In the playoffs, Bennett has 29 goals and 59 points in 77 career games for the Panthers. For comparison, Bennett had just 140 points (67 goals, 73 assists) in 402 games in Calgary. He also knows their window to contend for titles is still wide open. 'It's harder than I ever imagined to win the Stanley Cup once and twice was even harder,' Bennett said Tuesday after Florida secured the win. 'It's a huge honor to be a part of this group. I'm not going to take it for granted. I love being here, and I love this team. It's a remarkable team to be part of, just from the whole the staff to the players to the management, owner, the coaches, like truly, everyone is world class here.' And if he holds true to his word from Thursday night, he's not going anywhere. In addition to Bennett, Marchand and defenseman Aaron Ekblad are Florida's other key players set to enter free agency. The Panthers only have $19 million in cap space, but president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito said he sees a path where all three could be re-signed. Meanwhile, for a glimpse of how things went down at E11ven, look below. The party will surely continue throughout town over the next couple days before the team's official parade on Sunday.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Greg Cote's Poll Dance: Who was MVP of Florida Panthers playoffs? Vote now!
The Conn Smythe trophy is awarded to the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs and voted on by an 18-member panel of hockey writers at the end of the Stanley Cup Final. The 2025 award went this week to Sam Bennett of the repeat-champion Florida Panthers. Agree with the choice? Or do you know more than a hockey writer? Not saying at all that Bennett was a questionable pick, no, but fans deserve their say, too, and that's where Mr. Poll Dance comes in. The Panthers' talent is so rich and deep that ours is a large ballot -- 10 names, listed alphabetically. No category for 'other,' sorry. I mean, there's 10 names here. But there's a twist! This is a Most Valuable Person poll. Eight players dominate our ballot, but we include two men in suits during games, not on skates: Coach Paul Maurice and general manager Bill Zito. However you parse what 'most valuable' means in bestowing the most credit for this title run, pick your one MVP. Vote as many times as you'd like or until your fingers ache. GREG COTE POLL DANCE: WHO WAS FLORIDA PANTHERS' PLAYOFF MVP?: Previous Poll Dance verdict: Close! Split-decision on Heat and Durant: This was an unusually close Poll Dance. We asked, 'Should the Miami Heat (once again) pursue Kevin Durant?' You said: No. You don't build a future with a guy almost 37 years old, 37%; Yes! He's still great even at his age, 32%; and Yes, but only if the price is right, 31%. Although the no's led in most votes, the combination of yes votes (outright or qualified) totaled a majority of 63 percent.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Cote: Marchand leads Panthers one win from 2nd Stanley Cup with 5-2 road victory at Edmonton
The Florida Panthers are one victory away from a second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. And they are one loss away from a winner-take-all Game 7 in Edmonton. This is the beauty and the anxiety of a best-of-7 series. Being up 3-2 -- as the Panthers are with Saturday night's 5-2 road triumph -- leaves a Florida fan both planning for another championship celebration and and superstitiously afraid to so. Fans on both sides of the border can agree on this: Festooned by three overtime games, it's been quite a sensational Final, one not done yet, but nearing its crescendo. 'This has been a pretty incredible one,' said Marchand of this Final. 'One of the tightest series I think anyone has ever seen. Most exciting. The talent level. The back and forth. Nerve-wracking at times. We're all big hockey fans. It makes you realize why you love the game so much and also why this trophy is the hardest one go win.' Marchand, 37-year-old magician, a Panther for just a few months, was the hero again in Game 5 with his team's first and third goals. 'I'm just enjoying every moment,' Marchand said afterward. 'A special group of guys. I feel like a young guy in the league again. You gotta be in the moment. I think we realize how special a group we have. It's so difficult on the mind and the body. You gotta embrace the grind.' Marchand is largely why Florida on Tuesday can win its first-ever Stanley Cup on home ice, after winning its maiden crown last year in a Game 7 at Edmonton. A loss Tuesday would reprise a Game 7 in Edmonton on Friday. The Cats led 1-0 in mid-first period (9:12 in) on a Marchand left-handed snap-shot goal off a breakaway from a center-ice faceoff. His fifth Final goal made him only the second to do that in his career since the 1960s. This also was the fourth straight game the Cats have scored first. Panthers were up 2-0 1:54 before the end of the first -- seconds after killing an Edmonton power play -- on Sam Bennett's snap shot off a rebound from a Matthew Tkachuk shot. Bennett's 15th postseason goal tied an NHL record and his 13th on the road set a new mark. Marchand, Bennett and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky in the first period only feathered their standing as Cats' favorites for the Conn Smythe trophy as NHL playoff MVP. The Cats killed a third straight Oilers power play in the second, albeit with good fortune, as a Connor McDavid shot clanged off the goalpost. Marchand scored again for a 3-1 lead five minutes into the third period with a brilliant back and forth slalom past Oilers defenseman Jake Walman that all but left Walman corkscrewed into the ice. Marchand thus became the first NHL player since 1988 with six goals in a Stanley Cup Final -- the Conn Smythe all but his. 'Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!' said a mic'd up Matthew Tkachuk on the bench as Marshand scored again. Edmonton drew within 3-1 on the first goal of the Final from McDavid, briefly enlivening the home crowd. Briefly. It was 4-1 shortly thereafter on Sam Reinhart's finish of a gorgeous pass from Aleksander Barkov, Reinhart's third straight game with a goal. Edmonton drew within 4-2 with 3:13 left but hadn't the time for a miracle. Florida cashed the final goal on an Eetu Lourstarinen empty-netter late. Florida is now 10-3 in this postseason on the road, outscoring opponents by 61-31. At home the Cats have been only 5-4 by a 28-24 margin, but they'll have mighty incentive to improve those numbers in Game 6. 'We love the road. Love hearing the crowd against us,' said Bennett. The Panthers are ready for a fight in this series, always, wherever. 'Everybody is defending, playing hard physically. A lot of fun to play in,' said Carter Verhaeghe. 'We like to grind. We have a grindy game.' Tuesday night, the Stanley Cup trophy will be in the Panthers' rink. We'll see if they can keep it at home.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Some Things I Think I Think: Red Sox' biggest problem is plain to see
*Everyone's got a theory about what ails the Red Sox Is it poor defensive play? Well, yes, that's certainly been a factor. The Red Sox lead the American League in both errors and unearned runs and that's not good. Advertisement Then there's their struggles with runners in scoring position, where they're ranked 23rd overall in batting average. Constantly squandering scoring opportunities is almost always injurious to a team's won-loss record. But those — and other issues — pale in comparison to the team's starting pitching deficiencies. The Red Sox gave up four top prospects to get Garrett Crochet, then locked him for six years and $170 million and don't regret either commitment for a moment. Crochet has been everything for which the Sox could have possibly hoped — as his 1.98 ERA and 1.061 WHIP prior to Saturday night's start attests. Problem is, after Crochet, the Red Sox starting pitching drops off the proverbial cliff. Advertisement Subtract Crochet's numbers from the rotation and it's ugly: the remainder of Red Sox starters have a combined ERA of 5.38. Put another way, the team's ERA without Crochet would rank them last in the American League, and isn't much better than the Colorado Rockies (6.53), a team which plays half of its games in a launching bad and who, as a team, are on pace to set records for overall futility. Too often, the Red Sox find themselves behind by multiple runs after the first couple of innings. Lucas Giolito has had three starts in which he's been shelled for six or more runs; Tanner Houck, before being injured, had two starts in which he allowed 11 (!). Bryan Bello hasn't provided length. Walker Buehler has been entirely too inconsistent. Advertisement Naturally, the underperformance of the rotation has led to overwork of the bullpen at times and that's something from which a team can't recover. It's not a good sign when you score 26 runs over four games — as the Red Sox did earlier this week — and only go 2-2 in those contests. Even if they fix the other weaknesses, they stand no chance of climbing back into contention if their rotation continues to falter. It's that simple. *How can you be a Bruins fan and not be rooting for Brad Marchand to win his second Stanley Cup? Marchand wanted to to spend his entire career with the Bruins and was willing to compromise to get a contract extension done back in March, just before the NHL trade deadline. The Bruins, however, held firm and ended up dealing him to Florida for conditional draft pick. Advertisement Marchand's play in the postseason has proved that he's still got plenty left in the tank. He's already got three goals through the first two games of the Final, including one in double-overtime to win Game 2. Should the Panthers win a second straight Cup, Marchand will be in the conversation for the Conn Smythe trophy. Not a good look for the Bruins. *If Stefon Diggs was the first real rest for Mike Vrabel, it appears the new head coach passed. Behind closed doors and without a lot of public back-and-forth, Vrabel seemed to deliver the proper message. *I like the hiring of Marco Sturm and from all I've seen and heard, he's got a chance to be a fine coach at the NHL level. Advertisement But I can't help but wonder if the Bruins might have acted differently if Pete DeBoer had been fired by Dallas last week instead of the day after Sturm's hiring was announced. *Major League Baseball is close to announcing a new TV deal for the package that ESPN opted out of from 2026-2028, and a source indicates that Apple TV+ is currently the highest bidder. The package includes the Home Run Derby, Sunday Night Baseball and the wild card round of the postseason. Baseball is, like most sports, out to make a deal for the most revenue possible, but if MLB puts an entire round of its postseason on a streaming service with just 45 million subscribers, it's deserves all the grief it's going to catch. Advertisement *I'm a sucker for those videos in which minor leaguers are told they're going to the big leagues for the first time. But I can do without the ones in spring training where the major league manager awards Opening Day honors to the starting pitcher. Sorry, it's just not the same. *It's fashionable to scream 'Nerds!' whenever the topic of analytics is broached, but the more information the better, I say, and if advanced metrics offers additional ways to evaluate players, then teams would be silly to not use them. However, the suggestion in the analytics community that there's no such thing as clutch players loses me. Some players seem to rise to the occasion. And Marchand and Tyrese Haliburton are reminding us all this spring. Advertisement *I fully understand Alex Cora's decision to use his entire roster and give the depth players the occasional start. But I can't get behind the idea of David Hamilton starting more than a third (23) of the Red Sox' first 64 games. Hamilton may have great infield range and plus-plus speed on the bases, but he owns a .647 career OPS and there's nothing to suggest that, from an offensive standpoint, he's going to get any better. *Roman Anthony doesn't deserve the backlash he's getting for being hidden in a laundry cart to escape some autograph hunters. By all accounts, Anthony is generous with his time with fans at the ballpark. So if a few professional 'collectors,'' holding their beloved binders with dollar signs in their eyes got stiffed last week, we'll all survive. Advertisement *Separated at birth: Red Sox starter Hunter Dobbins and actor Kieran Mulroney — the actor who played Timmy, who rebuked George Costanza after the latter 'double-dipped the chip' in the famed Seinfeld episode. *Good luck, Mike Tomlin. You're going to need it. More Red Sox coverage Read the original article on MassLive.
