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Sam Bennett Echoes Matthew Tkachuk's Comments After Game 3 Blowout Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 8:53 AM ET

Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final felt more like a gauntlet than a hockey game, with the Florida Panthers crushing the Edmonton Oilers 6–1 on the scoreboard.

The Panthers' real statement, however, came through the chaos that unfolded in the third period.

With emotions boiling over and tempers unrestrained, the Oilers resorted to undisciplined physical play, and a line brawl popped up, but the Panthers didn’t flinch.

Florida’s ability to avoid retaliation amid such events became a defining element of Monday night’s blowout, even though the game was already out of reach for the Oilers at the time of the brawl.

Sam Bennett: "Sometimes you've got to take a punch."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 11, 2025

For the Panthers, as revealed by alternate captain Matthew Tkachuk following the victory over Edmonton, it was all part of the plan.

“We talked about it in the third. If you have to take a punch, take a punch. If you have to take a cross-check, take a cross-check,” Tkachuk said. “Spear, slash in the face, whatever the case is, you’ve got to take it. We just played a really smart game.”

Sam Bennett, who scored his 14th goal of the postseason during the win, reinforced Tkachuk’s message, speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

“Sometimes you’ve got to take a punch,” Bennett said.

The Panthers stuck to their game while the Oilers unraveled, and they were rewarded with a huge victory and excellent man-advantage play, scoring three power-play goals on 11 opportunities.

Bennett’s goal was one of six from six different Panthers, underscoring the roster’s depth and composure.

The Panthers now hold a 2–1 series lead heading into Game 4 on home ice on Thursday before the series returns to Edmonton for Game 5.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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