Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi did not return for the third period against the Florida Panthers after taking a hit by Sam Bennett.

Florida wasted no time opening the scoring. On the power play, a severe defensive breakdown by the Predators left Sam Reinhart and Bennett alone in front of the Predators’ Juuse Saros (21 saves); Reinhart dropped the puck for Bennett to easily bury 1:23 into the contest.

On Wednesday, the Nashville Predators provided an injury update on Roman Josi as he deals with the effects of a hit from Florida's Sam Bennett.

Justin Sourdif scored his first NHL goal and the Florida Panthers beat the Nashville Predators 4-1. Sam Bennett had a goal, assist and fight for a Gordie Howe hat trick, and Gustav Forsling and Mackie Samoskevich also scored to help the Panthers win for the third time in four games.

Brad Marchand spoke clearly about his relationship with Sam Bennett on Team Canada after rivalry episodes in the NHL, during Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers games.

- The Panthers have won three straight regular-season games against the Oilers. - The Panthers own a 5-1-0 record over their last five home games. - The Panthers own a 14-3-1 record when Sam Bennett scores a goal. - Sam Reinhart is tied for first on the Panthers with 15 multi-point games.

Anyone who watched last year’s second-round playoff series between the Panthers and Bruins should find it hard to imagine Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett being anything but passing acquaintances with Team Canada at the 4 Nations tournament.

Nashville Predators' coach Andrew Brunette expressed frustration about Sam Bennett's hit that injured team captain Roman Josi.

Sasha Barkov, Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett have all caught fire and have the eye-popping numbers to back it up, but these days, nobody is putting the puck in the net like Matthew Tkachuk. He’s now scored in each of Florida’s past five games after lighting the lamp twice in his hometown of St. Louis on Thursday.