A lot is expected out of Sam Bennett. He’s a fourth overall pick, after all: the highest ever in Calgary Flames franchise history. Not only that, but he started off his NHL career with a bang, including playing on the second line of a team that made the second round of the playoffs, and not once looking out of place.

So when Bennett went 18 straight games without a goal, well, it was disappointing. Not worrying, because he was doing everything but putting the puck in the back of the net, but a little disappointing.

Disappointing no more, because Bennett now has his first career hat trick – and he’s the youngest Flame ever to get one.

All it took was one period. Bennett had a goal against the San Jose Sharks the game before to break his goalless slump, but there’s nothing like three quick goals over just one period to say that you’re here to score, and there’s nothing anybody can do about it.

It wasn’t a natural hat trick, because Johnny Gaudreau scored along the way as well, but it was three goals in just one period to help bring the Flames out to a dominating 4-0 lead.

And all it took was 5:21 of ice time for him. Bennett needed just 56 seconds to get the party started, when he rifled a shot past Roberto Luongo, courtesy of a shot from Dougie Hamilton, and pass by Jiri Hudler.

Just over 11 minutes later, Bennett actually threw away his shot, but no matter: Luongo let it slip right on through anyway, courtesy of excellent work by Mikael Backlund and, once again, Dougie Hamilton (the 100th point of the defenceman’s career).

Whenever a player scores two goals, you’re always on the alert for the potential third, and Bennett wasn’t waiting. Five minutes after his second goal, he came through, thanks to Josh Jooris getting the puck up the ice and… a two-on-one with Deryk Engelland?

Well when you’re rolling, you’re rolling. He did his part in chasing Roberto Luongo, too, as the Panthers’ goalie wasn’t out to start the second period.

Here’s to more of these!