After missing the final three games of the Florida Panthers‘ first-round series win, forward Sam Bennett is progressing better than expected but still won’t be ready for Game 1 against the Boston Bruins.
Bennett left Game 2 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 speaking to reporters Sunday, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said that despite being unable to play Game 1, Bennett is considered day-to-day.
Maurice also said that Bennett skated on his own before practice.
Bennett had a goal and assist in the series against Tampa Bay after scoring 20 goals and 41 points in 69 regular-season games.
In the Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final last year, the 27-year-old centre had 15 points in 20 games.