Calgary Flames top pick Sam Bennett makes statement after early penalties in Canada’s exhibition win over Russia

SHERBROOKE, Que. — Sam Bennett illustrated the concept of a double-edged sword on Thursday.

The Calgary Flames' No. 4 overall pick often seems to find another gear when he's being abrasive and chippy. That need to have the puck, become a focal point on the ice, is why the 18-year-old became a top NHL prospect over the past two seasons with the Kingston Frontenacs. Thursday, when Canada doubled Russia 6-3 in a ragged world junior summer exhibition game, Bennett was at both ends of the spectrum: two first-period penalties on stick infractions, then two points during a decisive second period.

"I was just a little too aggressive on my stick, I should know better and I wasn't happy with those two penalties in the first," said Bennett, who variously with on left wing alongside Buffalo Sabres top pick Sam Reinhart and also worked in at centre. "Personally I think I came out a little slow, I was upset with myself after taking those penalties. I got my confidence back and the team found a way to win."

Bennett, who will attend his first NHL camp next month in Calgary bounced right back after those stints in the sin bin. On his first shift after the second penalty, Bennett zero to 60 in a blink as he toe-dragged a defender and moved in for a shot that went wide. In the second, he made a smart play at the half-wall to spring Anthony Duclair and Reinhart on a 2-on-1 that the latter finished.

On a late second-period power play, Bennett turned in one of those sequences that have become his trademark in Kingston. He played keepaway a short distance from the net, buying time to open up a passing lane. He was eventually rewarded when he deposited a Nick Paul rebound to open a 5-1 lead.

Bennett took a third minor after being booked for roughing in the final two minutes. Curtis Lazar ended up scoring the empty-netter to complete a hat trick that included two short-handed goals.

Overall, Bennett left a stronger impression than he did in Canada's game vs. the Czech Republic on Tuesday in Montreal.

"I thought Sam was good tonight," Canada coach Benoît Groulx said. "He was better than he was two nights ago at Concordia. He was playing with way more confidence. His effort was good. I'm happy with Sam tonight.

"When you talk about penalties, maybe we took some bad penalties but I thought also it was maybe the first game for the referees," Groulx said when asked about the Flames hopeful's three minors. They were — I don't want to blame them — but I thought some of them were doubtful."

Bennett's versatility, should he be available for the world junior championship in December, could have a special utility for Canada. Head scout Ryan Jankowski refers to having a surplus of centres as a "Canadian problem." The Holland Landing, Ont., native has more experience on left wing than the typical top-end attacker. He and Connor McDavid — who are, notably, on separate teams this week — were linemates in minor hockey and played together during the 2013 world under-18 championship.

"It's the first week of a long process of selection," Groulx said. "We try to evaluate certain things, if he can play left, right, centre, does he fit well with this guy and that guy. We don't know who's going to be available to us at Christmas.

Hockey Canada has a mixed track record with natural centres shifting over. Mentioning how Nathan MacKinnon ended up playing sparingly two seasons ago still feels like poking at a fresh wound. A very good young player will have to do it come December though, since returnees McDavid, Lazar and Frederik Gauthier, the fourth-line faceoff specialist, would all man the middle.

"Any time you play for Team Canada you're not going to be set in one role," Bennett said. "I don't think it's too tough to move around. Everyone is a pretty skilled player. It's an easy transition.

"The camp is exactly what I was expecting," Bennett added. "It's fast-paced. The coaches expect a lot from us. I've learned a lot."

Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Follow him on Twitter @neatebuzzthenet.