Sam Bennett scored two goals as the Florida Panthers opened the defense of their first Stanley Cup title with a 6-4 win over the Boston Bruins.

Florida in 2023 erased a 3-1 deficit to knock out a Boston team that set the NHL record for most regular-season points in NHL history in the opening round of the playoffs on its way to a surprising run to the Stanley Cup Final.

The Florida Panthers looked like they picked up right where they left off last season, beginning their Stanley Cup title defense with a convincing 6-4 victory over the Boston Bruins on Opening Night. Despite the delayed start time due to Florida raising its Stanley Cup Championship banner, the Panthers jumped all over Boston early in the game.