Bennett’s goal 4:55 into regulation came when he took a feed from Tkachuk across the goal crease and sent a wrist shot high as Kings goaltender Dary Kuemper was sprawled down on the ice.

Bennett has three goals over his last five appearances. The 28-year-old Bennett also has 25 shots in that span, a massive uptick compared to his average of just over three shots per game this season. Overall, the center is at 16 tallies, 15 helpers, 157 shots on net, 109 hits, 55 PIM and a minus-12 rating through 50 outings.

According to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, the Florida Panthers might consider trading Sam Bennett before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. Kypreos has added Bennett to his updated trade bait board, citing a lack of production since the start of December as the reason he could be dealt.