Paul Maurice believes there is 'very real possibility' Sam Bennett plays in second round
Bennett has not played since suffering an upper-body injury during Game 2 against Tampa Bay
The Florida Panthers were back at the practice facility on Wednesday, two days after advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Florida has yet to hold a formal practice this week, still waiting to find out who they’ll face in round two and when that series will begin.
The team did gather at the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday to continue the process of resting and recuperating ahead of the next round.
That includes center Sam Bennett, who missed the final three games of Florida’s five-game victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening round of the playoffs with an upper-body injury.
Bennett was hit in the area of his hand or wrist by a Brandon Montour slapshot during Game 2 against Tampa Bay and has not played since.
At the time, Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice said Bennett would be out at least a week with the injury.
Well, Florida eliminated Tampa Bay during that week and have been off since, waiting to find out who and when they’ll play next.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Maurice kept things pretty vague when asked about Bennett and his timeline for returning.
“He’ll skate tomorrow for the first time, and then it’s gonna be…we’ll see," Maurice said. "I’ll give you an update before the next series starts where I think he’s at."
Asked if he thinks Bennett will be able to play during the second round – which would seemingly mean sometime in the guaranteed opening four games – Maurice didn’t shy away from providing a positively leaning outlook.
“That’s a very real possibility,” he said.
As for the rest of the team, Maurice said expects the full roster to be on the ice when the Panthers practice on Thursday morning in Fort Lauderdale.
Bennett will skate, but not during practice.
Florida may learn their next opponent on Thursday night, when Toronto hosts Boston in Game 6 of their opening round series.
Until then, there’s nothing wrong with a little R&R.
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