Florida’s relentless postseason ended with a name on everyone’s lips: Sam Bennett. After the Panthers capped their second straight Stanley Cup with a dominant 5–1 Game 6 win over Edmonton, Bennett hoisted the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL’s playoff MVP.
What cemented his status? An astonishing league-leading 15 goals, including five in the Finals, and a record-setting 13 road goals during the postseason.
🌟 From Role Player to Playoff Titan
Bennett’s journey to MVP started in Calgary and found its fullest expression in Florida. In the regular season, he was solid, but in the postseason he became a critical weapon:
- 15 goals, tied for second in team scoring with 22 points over 23 games.
- Northern consistency: across challenging road environments, Bennett tallied 13 road goals, an NHL record.
- Final focus: He netted five times in the final series, including timely scores in key moments.
“It’s hard to describe… we put in so much work,” Bennett said. “I’m so proud of this group.”
🧩 Why It Matters
- Conn Smythe Breaks New Ground
Bennett is the first player in Panthers history to win playoff MVP. - Elite Company
He joins past legends—Gretzky, Lemieux, Crosby—as one of only four active players to score 15+ playoff goals . - Consistency on the Road
With 13 road goals, he’s rewritten the benchmark for postseason grit
📊 Stat Sheet: Bennett’s MVP Case
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Playoff Goals | 15 |
| Points in Playoffs | 22 |
| Road Goals | 13 (NHL record) |
| Finals Goals | 5 |
🤜🤛 Beyond the Stats: The Heart of a Champion
Bennett’s contributions included more than scoring:
- A physical edge and tenacious forecheck that changed the gameplay.
- Steady two-way play that anchored Florida’s aggressive “dirtbag hockey” style.
His mindset? > “My whole focus was on winning the Stanley Cup… there truly are 25 MVPs on this team.”
🔭 What Lies Ahead
- Free agency looms, and this performance dramatically elevates his market value.
- Florida must decide whether to lock him in or risk losing a playoff cornerstone.
- His win adds depth to the Panthers’ growing legacy: two Cups in three years and blossoming identity beyond Reinhart or Barkov.