The Panthers captain has become part of the South Florida landscape over his 12 seasons. He’s also helped turn a floundering franchise into a champion.

Saturday afternoon promises to be an emotional day in Sunrise as the Calgary Flames visit the Florida Panthers.

Florida wasted no time opening the scoring. On the power play, a severe defensive breakdown by the Predators left Sam Reinhart and Bennett alone in front of the Predators’ Juuse Saros (21 saves); Reinhart dropped the puck for Bennett to easily bury 1:23 into the contest.

Justin Sourdif scored his first NHL goal and the Florida Panthers beat the Nashville Predators 4-1. Sam Bennett had a goal, assist and fight for a Gordie Howe hat trick, and Gustav Forsling and Mackie Samoskevich also scored to help the Panthers win for the third time in four games.

Elliotte Friedman revealed his opinion about the Seth Jones situation on “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”. Usually, as the NHL’s best insider, Friedman’s opinions come from something he’s heard.

Leon Draisaitl left the ice fuming after Edmonton lost its fifth straight game, despite a tremendous performance from Brett Kulak.

Panthers star forward Matthew Tkachuk will miss Florida’s game against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday because of a lower-body injury.

Forward Steven Stamkos, who signed a four-year deal with Nashville in the offseason, is currently in the longest point-less streak of his career — he has gone nine games without a point for the first time in his 17-year career.