Calgary Flames center Sam Bennett stole the spotlight Wednesday with a dominant performance in a 6-0 victory against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Saddledome, scoring a hat trick in the first period and finishing with four goals.
He is the fifth rookie with a hat trick this season and the third in the past four days. Max Domi of the Arizona Coyotes scored three goals against the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 12 and Sam Reinhart of the Buffalo Sabres scored three against the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 10. Coyotes forward Anthony Duclair (Oct. 14 against the Anaheim Ducks) and Boston Bruins forward Frank Vatrano (Dec. 18 against the Pittsburgh Penguins) are the other rookies with hat tricks.
But Bennett’s performance was impressive not only for its skill but the unusual nature of the feat.
Consider some of the history associated with Bennett's accomplishment, according to Elias Sports Bureau: