Sam Bennett opens up about healthy scratch: ‘Most stressed I’ve ever been’
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Team Canada forward Sam Bennett said being made a healthy scratch during the Olympics was the most stressed he’s ever been during his playing career.
Team Canada forward Sam Bennett did not play in his team’s thrilling 4-3 OT win over Czechia to advance to the semifinals today against Finland.
For a natural competitor like Bennett, it was a very difficult thing not playing with so much on the line.
It's stressful watching from the stands. That's probably the most stressed I've ever been during game. - Sam Bennett
But Bennett then touted his ability to play under pressure as one of his strengths.
One of my strengths is bringing the energy, bringing the intensity especially in the big games. - Sam Bennett
If Bennett and Canada can beat Finland, they will advance to the gold medal game.
Canada will also be hoping that Bennett’s long playoff history will pay off for them again, especially if Sidney Crosby if Sidney Crosby can’t play because of an injury that he suffered in the OT win against Czechia.
Sam Bennett Is A Back To Back Stanley Cup Winner With The Florida Panthers
Bennett has put his mark on the NHL in recent years, helping the Panthers make it to three straight Stanley Cup Finals.
Even though they lost their first one in 2023 to the Vegas Golden Knights, they responded by becoming the first team since the divisional foe Tampa Bay Lightning to win consecutive Cups. They won both over Bennett’s Team Canada teammate Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
Last year, Bennett was named the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs.
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