The Florida Panthers are looking to secure a much-needed victory as they face off against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. This matchup is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET and marks an important moment in the Atlantic Division standings.
Matchup Overview
Both teams are striving to improve their positions in the division. Currently, the Panthers hold a record of 22 wins, 18 losses, and 3 overtime losses, placing them seventh. The Senators are close behind, with a record of 20 wins, 18 losses, and 5 overtime losses.
Recent Performance
The Panthers are entering this game on a challenging road trip. They have lost their first two games, including a recent 6-2 defeat to the Montreal Canadiens. In that match, Sam Bennett scored both goals for Florida while Sergei Bobrovsky made 14 saves.
Head coach Paul Maurice emphasized the team’s need to enhance their speed in play, stating, “We think we got it fixed in the second and third period in Montreal.”
Player News
Sandis Vilmanis will make his NHL debut for the Panthers against the Senators. Recently promoted from the AHL, Vilmanis expressed his excitement, saying, “Super happy to be here.” He is coming off a strong season with the Charlotte Checkers, where he earned 19 points across 19 games.
- Vilmanis was drafted by Florida in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Draft.
- He is also named to Latvia’s Olympic hockey roster.
Injury Updates
The Panthers are dealing with injuries, with both Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand unavailable for this game. Their absence has prompted the team to promote Vilmanis for added depth. Meanwhile, the Senators are experiencing a tough stretch, having lost their last three games, including an 8-2 defeat to the Colorado Avalanche.
Head-to-Head Record
In their last ten encounters, the Panthers have performed well against the Senators, securing seven wins. In their first meeting this season, the Panthers cruised to a 6-2 victory, with contributions from several players.
Key Players
Tim Stutzle is leading the Senators with 45 points this season, showcasing his skills on the ice. Drake Batherson and Jake Sanderson have also made notable contributions to their team’s performance.
- Stutzle: 19 goals, 26 assists.
- Batherson: 39 points (16G, 23A).
- Sanderson: 32 points (8G, 24A).
Upcoming Game Details
This highly anticipated game will be broadcast on platforms such as WSFL and WHDT, as well as on local radio stations. Fans can expect a thrilling matchup that could shift the standings as both teams vie for crucial points.
