NHL Scores: Sam Bennett benched in Flames loss to Oilers, Panthers rolling, and more
Anthony Scultore
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The Battle of Alberta was waged again last night and it was a tight one decided by defense and goaltending. There were only four games on the NHL calendar yesterday as the league prepares for a full day of action. Thirteen games are slated for today including the first of two matches at Lake Tahoe.
NHL Scores: Flames bench Sam Bennett in loss to Oilers
Calgary GM Brad Treliving spoke about Sam Bennett and his trade request before the Battle of Alberta. In a radio interview on Sportsnet 960 The Fan he was asked about the situation.
We’ll determine – whether it be Sam Bennett or anybody else – what their scenery is and when it’s going to change, and until such time, Sam is a member of the Calgary Flames and he’s like every other member of the Calgary Flames.
Brad Treliving via The Score
Those comments were then followed by a -2 performance and a third period benching for Bennett. The Oilers (11-8) on the strength of Mike Smith’s 20 save performance beat the Flames (8-8-1) 2-1.
After the game, Flames head coach Geoff Ward was asked about Bennett’s grand total of 6:30 of ice time. “We’ll keep that internal,” he replied refusing to comment on the benching.
NHL Scores: Panthers pounce all over the Red Wings
Last season Florida was a good hockey team, this season they appear to be one of its best. The Panthers (11-2-2) did what good teams must when playing a lesser opponent – they dominated. Florida cruised to a 7-2 victory over the Red Wings (4-12-3).
Patric Hornqvist scored twice while Aleksander Barkov and Keith Yandle tallied three points each. “We were all over them in the first period and we were rewarded,” Hornqvist said after notching his 8th goal of the year. “When we’re playing the right way, we’re as good as anyone, and we’re showing that right now.”
NHL Scores: Canucks woes continue, Hurricanes keeping pace
The Canucks (8-12-1) were blanked by Jets (10-6-1) backup goalie Laurent Brossoit 2-0. It was his first start since February 2 and he did not disappoint his team. Mark Scheifele scored his 9th of the year in the first period and that was all Winnipeg would need.
“I obviously saw [Demko] was far out of the net, but he’s a he’s a pretty stellar goaltender, a big body, so just kind of made my move and he bit a little bit, so I was happy to put it in,” Schiefele explained about the winning tally. For the Jets captain he’s on a four game goal scoring streak and a nine game point streak (6G – 7A).
Lastly, the Hurricanes (11-3-1) defeated the surprising Blackhawks (9-6-4) 5-3. Nino Niederreiter scored two goals in the contest which gives him 9 on the season. James Reimer picked up his 8th win in nine starts. The Canes victory keeps pace with the Panthers as they are just one point behind them for 1st in the Central.
NHL News: Sidney Crosby wants to stay in Pittsburgh
“That’s definitely a new subject that I have had to deal with and hear about a little bit, but I love playing here and this is where I would love to play for the rest of my career,” Crosby said after practice. “I can’t really control what’s said or rumors or things like that, but that’s how I approach it.”