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.

Aleksander Barkov had two assists and Spencer Knight made 18 saves for the Panthers (35-21-3), who have won three of their past four. Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk missed his second consecutive game because of a lower-body injury.

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 Florida Panthers got back into the win column Tuesday night in Nashville as a disappointing season for the Predators slogs on. The big story for the Panthers was Justin Sourdif getting his first NHL goal in the second period.

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

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.