Sam Bennett: A True Road Warrior.
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has been exceptional this postseason. In Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night, he established a new NHL record for the most road goals scored in a single playoff run, netting his 12th.
Displaying his characteristic aggressive style, Bennett found open space in the offensive zone during the first period and scored his team`s first goal with a straightforward one-timer on the power play.
This goal marked his 13th overall goal of the playoffs, and notably, his 12th scored on the road, achieved in 12 away games. Bennett`s overall playoff performance stands at 13 goals and 19 points across 19 games.
With his 12th road goal, he surpassed the previous record held by Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele, who scored 11 road goals in eight games during the 2018 playoffs. Scheifele concluded that run with a total of 14 goals in 17 games.
Bennett`s scoring production has seen a significant increase during the high-stakes playoff environment. He registered 25 goals and 51 points over 76 regular-season games. His goals-per-game average nearly doubled in the playoffs, rising from 0.33 in the regular season to 0.67 entering Game 2.
Overall, the Panthers team has been exceptionally effective when playing away from home. In Game 1, they themselves set an NHL record for the most away goals by a team in a single playoff year, scoring 51 and surpassing the 1993 Los Angeles Kings. Florida`s road record in the playoffs is currently 8-3.
Neville Woodall