After two tightly contested games in Edmonton, the Stanley Cup Final shifts to Florida with the series tied 1-1. While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are always the focal point for the Oilers, a key factor in the Panthers' success has been the play of Sam Bennett. Bennett has been a force, scoring in both games and setting an NHL record for most road goals in a single postseason with 12. To gain an edge as the series progresses, the Oilers need to find ways to limit Bennett's impact.
Understanding Bennett's Role
Sam Bennett isn't just a scorer; he's an agitator who plays a physical, grinding style of hockey. He excels at creating space for himself and his linemates, often by driving to the net and engaging physically with defenders. He has the ability to wear down opponents, and his presence in front of the net creates screens and opportunities for rebounds. Bennett's line, which includes Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe, has been particularly effective at generating offense while also limiting the Oilers' attack.
Strategies to Limit Bennett
Here's how the Oilers can adjust their approach to contain Bennett:
Physicality with Discipline: The Oilers can't shy away from being physical, but they need to be smart about it. Taking undisciplined penalties will only give the Panthers more power-play opportunities, which Bennett has been capitalizing on. The Oilers need to focus on clean, impactful hits that disrupt Bennett's rhythm without crossing the line.
Tighter Defensive Coverage: The Oilers defense needs to be more aware of Bennett's positioning, especially in front of the net. They need to deny him easy access to the crease and be prepared to clear rebounds. Communication and coordination between the defensemen and the goaltender will be crucial.
Matchup Considerations: While it's impossible to completely dictate matchups, the Oilers should try to get their best defensive forwards and defensemen out against Bennett's line as much as possible. Aleksander Barkov, known for his defensive prowess, was utilized last year to limit McDavid. A similar strategy may be effective against Bennett.
Neutralizing the Forecheck: The Panthers are known for their relentless forecheck, which can pin the Oilers in their own zone and create scoring chances. The Oilers defensemen need to be quick and efficient in retrieving pucks and making smart passes to break out of the zone. Avoiding turnovers in the defensive zone is paramount.
Exploiting Loopholes: The Panthers have been known to exploit loopholes and push the boundaries of the rules. The Oilers need to be aware of these tactics and be prepared to counter them. This includes being vigilant for potential interference plays and ensuring that the referees are aware of any questionable behavior.
Maintaining Composure: Bennett is an agitator, and his goal is to get under the Oilers' skin and draw them into penalties. The Oilers need to maintain their composure and not let Bennett's antics distract them from their game plan.
Strong Goaltending: Ultimately, some chances are going to get through. Stuart Skinner needs to be sharp and make the key saves when Bennett or his linemates get a good look at the net. Skinner had a strong save percentage of .906 in Game 1.
By implementing these strategies, the Oilers can hope to contain Sam Bennett and reduce his impact on the series. Limiting Bennett will force the Panthers to rely on other players for offense, which could give the Oilers a significant advantage as the Stanley Cup Final progresses.
