Sam Bennett Scores Twice, But Slumping Florida Panthers Lose to New York Islanders

Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett meets the media after his team lost 5-4 to the New York Islanders at Belmont Park on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Bennett scored twice for the Panthers; Sandis Vilmanis gave Florida a 1-0 lead.

Sam Reinhart tied the score with a goal at 18:52 — only the Islanders won it on a drive-in goal by Andres Lee in the final minute.

The Panthers remain eight points out of the playoffs after losing the past two; they have also lost seven of the past nine.

Florida continues the road trip Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils.

Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / @FlaPanthers / Panthers Vision

The Panthers Have Done It Again, Repeat as Cup Champs: https://floridahockeynow.com/florida-panthers-repeat-stanley-cup-champions-2025/

Panthers Get Their New Rings. Yeah, They Nice: https://floridahockeynow.com/stanley-cup-champion-florida-panthers-get-rings-yeah-they-nice/

Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning Bringing Hockey Outdoors – In Florida: https://floridahockeynow.com/nhl-outdoor-hockey-miami-tampa-florida-panthers-lightning/

For the most in-depth coverage of the Florida Panthers:
— Visit Florida Hockey Now — https://floridahockeynow.com

— Subscribe to Florida Hockey Now: https://floridahockeynow.com/membership-account/subscribe-to-fhn/

— Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flahockeynow/

— On Bluesky:

* https://bsky.app/profile/georgerichards.bsky.social

—Follow us on Twitter: 

* https://twitter.com/GeorgeRichards

* https://twitter.com/thegovman

Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / Panther Vision