As the tension builds ahead of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid offered honest insights about an old friend turned fierce competitor, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett.
Speaking after Sunday’s practice at Amerant Bank Arena, McDavid acknowledged that Bennett’s intense, physical playing style is something he has known since they were kids.
Connor McDavid Opens Up About Sam Bennett’s Grit and Impact Ahead of Game 3
McDavid and Bennett have shared ice time for a considerable time in the past. The two represented Canada internationally and were also teammates at the NHL 4 Nations Faceoff earlier this February.
“Yeah, he’s always played with an edge ever since he was a little guy,” McDavid said with a half-smile. “So, nothing that we haven’t seen before. But he’s playing well, you know, scoring goals. He’s a good player, and we’ve got to figure him out. He’s not going anywhere, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Two top athletes acknowledging one another’s drive, yet fully aware that friendship doesn’t matter when the Cup is on the line. Now, in one of hockey’s most intense matchups, they find themselves on opposite sides of a high-stakes rivalry.
Bennett’s style of play has stirred controversy throughout the series, particularly during Game 2 when he collided with Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner. The play drew a goaltender interference penalty that turned into a power-play goal for the Oilers.
While Edmonton benefited from the call, Bennett stood by his actions, claiming, “I was pushed. I think the goalie kicked out my heel, that made me fall. I didn’t agree with that.”
The impact of Bennett’s presence in front of the net is becoming a storyline of its own. Leading all players in the postseason with 12 road goals, he is not only scoring but also disturbing the rhythm of Edmonton’s defensive setup with relentless net-front presence, becoming a physical and mental hurdle for the Oilers.
Sam Bennett is rewriting Florida Panthers playoff history 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fOPwLvLq2A
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 8, 2025
As both teams gear up for the pivotal Game 3, the spotlight on Bennett’s crease presence and McDavid’s response grows brighter. McDavid is known for his composure and elite skill, but this series is demanding more than just finesse; it’s requiring grit, strategy, and emotional strength.
The Oilers know that solving Florida’s pressure and limiting Bennett’s influence could shift the balance of the series. With Game 3 fast approaching, the crease battles, gritty goals, and mutual respect off the ice are adding rich layers to a final that’s proving as emotionally charged as it is competitive.
McDavid’s comments serve as a reminder that this isn’t just a clash of teams, it’s a battle of personalities, of legacies in the making, and of childhood dreams now colliding on the NHL’s biggest stage.