Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett is expected to be out again for Game 2 against the Boston Bruins, but could possibly return for Game 3 or 4.
According to head coach Paul Maurice, Bennett will travel with the team on Thursday when the second-round series heads to Boston.
Bennett, 27, was absent from the Panthers’ full skate on Wednesday morning, ahead of their second game against the Bruins. He was also absent from the series’ opening game, which resulted in a 5-1 loss for the Panthers.
Bennett left Game 2 of Florida’s first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning with an upper-body injury and was originally said to be out for at least a week. He exited the game after taking a shot from teammate Brandon Montour off his left hand. When Maurice ruled Bennett out for Game 1 against Boston, the coach said the centre was considered day-to-day.
Bennett had a goal and assist in the series against Tampa Bay after scoring 20 goals and 41 points in 69 regular-season games.
