For all the dogs: Panthers' Sam Bennett nets a goal for rescue animals
Panthers forward Sam Bennett did not know that, but he celebrated in his own way, netting a goal in Florida's Game 1 win over Carolina. In October, Bennett launched 'Benny's Buddies,' a program that sponsors the adoption fee for a Humane Society of Broward County rescue every time he scores a goal.
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'That's awesome,' Bennett said when informed of the day's significance. 'I actually didn't know that, so that … just made my day. That's awesome.'
Bennett, who had 25 regular-season goals, leads the Panthers with seven playoff goals. That is 32 more pets who will be free to adopt from the Humane Society of Broward County.
'We've had so much success with Benny's Buddies this year and got tons of support,' Bennett said. 'And it's just, it's growing a lot, and we're getting tons of traction, tons of pets, cats and dogs have got adopted this year. And I think there's even more to come with that program. So definitely really, really excited about it.'
Luostarinen gets revenge, continues playoff hot streak
Eetu Luostarinen started his NHL career in Raleigh. The Hurricanes signed him out of the Finnish league and sent him to the minors.
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In 2019-20, Luostarinen played eight games for the Hurricanes before they dealt him to the Panthers during the season.
Luostarinen, who played for Florida when it beat Carolina in the 2023 Eastern Conference final, got his first playoff goal against his former team in Game 1. He scored to make it 5-1 in the third period, helping ice the game.
Luostarinen has been a standout on the third line with Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell. The 26-year-old forward has four goals and nine assists in 13 playoff games, leading the team with 13 postseason points.
'I just try to keep it as simple as possible,' Luostarinen said. 'Be honest, work two ways and (I am) getting rewarded right now.'
Ex-UM coach supports other Hurricanes
Manny Diaz, the former Miami Hurricanes defensive coordinator and head coach who spent six years in Coral Gables, is now rooting for the other Hurricanes team.
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Diaz, a Miami native, is the head coach at Duke, and he is sticking with supporting the local team. He was at the Lenovo Center Tuesday night, winding a siren to get the Carolina Hurricanes fans fired up.
Diaz switched allegiances, though. When he was still coaching UM, Diaz was shown on the Jumbotron supporting the Panthers.
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