Sam Bennett scored twice, including the overtime winner set up by Brad Marchand, as the Florida Panthers topped the Utah Hockey Club 2-1 on Friday night. Marchand, making his Florida debut, delivered the decisive assist with 41.1 seconds left in overtime, capping off a dramatic finish that lifted the Panthers back into first place in the Atlantic Division.
Bennett’s first goal came in the second period off assists from Mackie Samoskevich and Aleksander Barkov, giving Florida a 1-0 lead. Utah responded early in the third, ending a prolonged scoring drought when Sean Durzi netted his third goal of the season during four-on-four play.
With the victory, the Panthers (44-25-3, 91 points) overtook Toronto (90 points) and Tampa Bay (89 points) for first place in the division. All three teams have 10 games remaining, with Florida set for crucial matchups against both Toronto (twice) and Tampa Bay down the stretch.
Marchand, acquired ahead of the trade deadline, made his presence known instantly. His new line, alongside Samoskevich and Bennett, started the game for Florida, and each time he touched the puck, the home crowd roared in approval. Marchand’s playmaking ability was on display in overtime, when he set up Bennett’s winner to secure the two points.
Florida paid tribute to Utah forward Kevin Stenlund in the first period, continuing a tradition of recognizing former players who helped the franchise capture last year’s Stanley Cup. Stenlund received a video tribute and a standing ovation from the crowd, acknowledging the moment with a wave. He previously received his championship ring in January when the Panthers visited Utah.
Utah snapped a scoring drought that spanned 158 minutes and 9 seconds, having allowed 14 unanswered goals over its previous three games against Detroit, Tampa Bay, and Florida. Durzi’s goal was the only offense Utah could muster, extending a troubling trend—Utah is now 1-18-3 this season when scoring two goals or fewer.
The Panthers killed off a critical Utah power play in the final minutes of regulation after Eetu Luostarinen was called for holding in a 1-1 game. Marchand’s arrival injected energy into Florida’s lineup, with his line generating consistent chances throughout the game.
Both teams are back in action on Sunday. Utah will visit Chicago, while Florida will return home to face Montreal as they continue their push for the top spot in the Atlantic Division.
