With Charlotte being eliminated from the AHL playoffs, Spencer Knight has been recalled as a third goalie for Florida during their postseason run. The 23-year-old did not appear for the Panthers during the regular season but had a solid campaign with Charlotte, posting a .905 SV% and 2.41 GAA.
Florida Panthers News
It was a good sign on Wednesday as Sam Bennett skated for the fist time since his upper-body injury held him out of the lineup and is a high possibility to return for Game 1 of Florida's second series. Bennett appeared in two games in Florida's opening series, and had a goal, an assist, four SOG and two PIMs.
Coming off their first playoff loss, the Panthers will return to Bobrovsky between the pipes on Monday in their second attempt to advance to the next round. Bobrovsky struggled in the Panthers' 6-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, allowing six goals on 32 shots (.812 SV%), but was solid in his first three outings (3-0-0), allowing three or fewer goals in each. The Panthers enter game five as -175 home favourites.
Coming off their first playoff loss, the Panthers will likely return to Bobrovsky between the pipes on Monday in their second attempt to advance to the next round. Bobrovsky struggled in the Panthers' 6-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, allowing six goals on 32 shots (.812 SV%), but was solid in his first three outings (3-0-0), allowing three or fewer goals in each. The Panthers enter game five as -175 home favourites.
The Panthers are up 2-0 in their series against the Tampa Bay Lightning and will look to take a stranglehold with a victory in game three. Bobrovsky has been terrific thus far, allowing two goals in each contest, including a save-of-the-year candidate in their 3-2 game-two overtime victory when he saved 21 of 23 shots (.913 SV%). The Panthers enter action on Thursday with even -105 odds.
The Panthers are up 2-0 in their series against the Tampa Bay Lightning and will look to take a stranglehold with a victory in game three. Bobrovsky has been terrific thus far, allowing two goals in each contest, including a save-of-the-year candidate in their 3-2 game-two overtime victory when he saved 21 of 23 shots (.913 SV%). The Panthers enter action on Thursday with even -105 odds.
With Sam Bennett (upper-body) expected to miss at least a week, Okposo will draw into the lineup in game three against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Okposo skated on the fourth line with Nick Cousins and Steven Lorentz at Thursday's morning skate.
Bennet took a puck to the hand and exited Tuesday's 3-2 game-two victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning after playing only 7:42 time-on-ice. Despite leaving early in the second period, Bennet still managed to end game two with a two-point effort, scoring one goal and one assist.
After a 3-2 victory in game one, the Panthers will turn to Bobrovsky between the pipes again. The veteran netminder was solid in game one, despite not being overly tested, saving 17 of 19 shots (.895 SV%) in the victory. The Panthers enter game two as -170 home favourites against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Ryan Lomberg will not play in game two due to an illness, allowing Lorentz to make his series debut against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 28-year-old Lorentz played 38 games this season, recording three points (1G / 2A) and 69 hits.
Lomberg is battling an illness and will be replaced by Steven Lorentz in game two against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 29-year-old Lomberg played 75 games for the Panthers this season, tallying seven points (5G / 2A) and 170 hits.
Lomberg took a seat in the press box for Florida's final game of the season but will return to the lineup as a physical presence for Game 1 vs. Tampa Bay. The 29-year-old fourth-liner enjoyed a strong fourth season in Florida with five goals, seven points, 68 SOG, and 80 PIMs in 75 games played while averaging only 9:32 TOI/GP.
Bobrovsky enjoyed his best season as a Panthers in 2023-24, going 36-14-7 with a 2.37 GAA, .915 SV% and six shutouts. In the playoffs during his first four seasons with Florida, Bobrovsky has gone 18-17 with a 2.93 GAA and .909 SV%.
Ekblad did not play the final six games of the season for the Panthers due to an undisclosed injury but will be ready for game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Ekblad has seen a decrease in offensive productivity the last few years but is still a major part of the Panthers' blue line. He had 18 points (4G / 14A) in 51 games this season.
Ekblad has not played since suffering an undisclosed injury on April 2nd but will be ready for the start of the playoffs. Ekblad has seen a decrease in offensive productivity the last few years but is still a major part of the Panthers' blue line. He has 18 points (4G / 14A) in 51 games this season.
Ekman-Larsson has been held off the scoresheet in five of his last six games and will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday. Josh Mahura will draw into the lineup as a replacement.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson will not pay on Tuesday, allowing Mahura to re-enter the lineup. Mahura has nine-point (0G / 9A), 37 hits, and 26 blocks in 29 games this season.
Verhaeghe will return to the lineup sooner than anticipated and play on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Before his injury, Verhaeghe scored 71 points (34G / 37A) in 75 games and was on pace to set a career-high in points.