The Bruins could end up dealing with one of the Panthers' top players tonight.
The Boston Bruins have a big game tonight against the Florida Panthers. A win will allow them to get a 2-1 series lead over the Panthers. However, a loss will put them at a disadvantage.
Unfortunately for the Bruins, Panthers forward Sam Bennett may be back in the lineup for the Cats in Game 3. Hrad coach Paul Maurice told reporters that Bennett is a game-time decision for the matchup and will take warmups.
Bennett, 27, has not played since Game 2 of the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning due to an upper-body injury. However, given this update from Maurice, it is clear that Bennett is very close to returning, whether tonight or for Game 4.
If Bennett officially returns, it will give the Panthers a major boost. Bennett not only is a big contributor offensively, but as the Bruins learned last postseason, he is especially impactful with his physicality.
In 69 games this season with the Panthers, Bennett had 20 goals, 41 points, 100 penalty minutes, and 173 hits.