Former Calgary standouts got the job done in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
A thrilling Stanley Cup Final came to a close Monday night as the Florida Panthers staved off an unthinkable series comeback from the Edmonton Oilers, winning Game 7 by a score of 2-1.
After falling short in the Final last season to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Panthers found a way to get the job done after holding a 3-0 series lead before Edmonton rattled off three wins in a row to force a winner-take-all Game 7. It is Florida's first Stanley Cup in franchise history. It also marks the first Stanley Cup in the careers of former Calgary Flames Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett.
For Tkachuk, his two years in Florida have been nothing short of excellent. In particular, his postseason play has been spectacular and he is one of the lead catalysts for Florida's dominance. Tkachuk finishes this playoffs with 22 points in 23 games. Tkachuk becomes the first of his phenomenal hockey family to raise the Cup, doing it with his parents and brother Brady in the stands.
The former Calgary first-rounder did not forget his roots, throwing in a shoutout to the Flames in his postgame interview.
For Bennett, the second-line center battled through injury this postseason to return and become an impact player for the Cats. It is hard to understate the importance Bennett brings to the Panthers lineup. When he was out in the second round, it was clear Florida lacked the bite he plays with and his scoring ability. His game has always been fit for the postseason and his constant physicality takes a toll on opponents over a seven-game series. Another former Calgary first-rounder, Bennett finishes the playoffs with 14 points in 18 games and also added 84 hits.
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice even jokingly hinted after Game 7 that he saw Bennett smile for the first time. Expect the smile to last all summer.
As Calgary continues to find the right pieces for the future, a second-line center is someone they currently lack. The decision to trade Bennett is a difficult one to swallow.
It seems the same way for the Tkachuk trade as Calgary has not gotten the most out of Jonathan Huberdeau. While it remains to be seen whether Huberdeau can return to his Panther form for the Flames, Tkachuk has immediately thrived in the Florida heat.