PANTHERS NOTES
– The Panthers have experienced a recent slump, dropping four of their last six matchups. Their most recent defeat was a 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, where they conceded the decisive goal with less than five seconds left in regulation. Matthew Tkachuk contributed a goal and an assist, while Aaron Ekblad also scored for Florida. Goalie Daniil Tarasov made 47 saves in the effort.
– Despite holding the last position in the Atlantic Division with 73 points, Florida has not yet been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
– Tarasov is slated to start in net for Saturday’s game. He secured a win against the Islanders on December 7th, stopping 20 shots, and boasts a 1-0-0 record with a 2.31 GAA and .917 SV% in two career games versus them. This season, Tarasov’s overall record stands at 9-13-2, with a 3.01 GAA and .899 SV% across 25 appearances.
– Tkachuk has been productive, tallying 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists) in his last 14 games, including a three-assist performance against the Islanders on March 1st. The Panthers’ alternate captain has accumulated 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 24 games this season.
– Seth Jones has returned from the long-term injured reserve after missing 26 consecutive games, including the March 1st loss to the Islanders, due to an upper-body injury. Jones previously scored against New York in their December 7th encounter and has 25 points (6 goals, 19 assists) in 45 games this campaign.
– Sam Bennett, sidelined with an undisclosed injury, will be unavailable for Saturday’s afternoon game. He netted two goals against the Isles in their last meeting and has recorded nine points (5 goals, 4 assists) this month. Bennett is tied for second on the team with 54 points (25 goals, 29 assists) this year.
– Sam Reinhart, day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, has not played since March 12th. Reinhart leads the Panthers in points (61), goals (29), and assists (32) this season and is one goal shy of achieving his fifth consecutive 30-goal season.
– Brad Marchand (undisclosed, LTIR) has been out of action since March 6th and will miss Saturday’s game. Marchand, who signed a six-year extension with Florida last offseason, is tied for second on the team with 54 points (27 goals, 27 assists) in the current season.
– Anton Lundell (upper-body) is also confirmed out for Saturday’s contest. His last game was on March 19th against the Edmonton Oilers, where he scored a goal. Lundell has registered 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) this year.
– Evan Rodrigues (upper-body) is expected to be out for several weeks after breaking his finger against the Wild on Thursday. Rodrigues had points in the Panthers’ last two wins and ranks fifth on the team with 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) this season.
– Alexander Barkov (lower-body, LT-IR) has yet to play this season, having suffered torn ACL and MCL injuries during training camp.
– On March 6th, Florida acquired Vinnie Hinostroza from the Minnesota Wild for future considerations. Since the trade, Hinostroza has contributed four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in seven games.
– This season, Florida’s penalty kill ranks eighth in the NHL (81.7%), while their power play is 19th (19.5%).