The Florida Panthers continued their impressive start to the season with a convincing 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators. This win keeps the Panthers unbeaten, marking their record at 3-0-0. The triumph took place on Saturday night in Sunrise, Florida.
Key Performers in the Panthers’ Victory
Several players stood out in the game, contributing to the Panthers’ offense:
- Brad Marchand: Scored a goal and provided an assist.
- Aaron Ekblad: Found the net and assisted another goal.
- Anton Lundell: Also chipped in with a goal and an assist.
- Mackie Samoskevich, Sam Reinhart, and Evan Rodrigues: Each scored to bolster the team’s lead.
Defenseman Seth Jones played a pivotal role with two assists, enhancing the team’s effectiveness.
Strong Goaltending and Power Plays
Sergei Bobrovsky was instrumental in goal, stopping 26 shots. Remarkably, the Panthers, who trailed for just 63 seconds across their opening three games, capitalized on their power plays. The team successfully scored three power-play goals against the Senators, bringing their season total to five.
Looking Ahead
This victory marks the third time the Panthers have opened a season at 3-0-0 in their 32-year history, with previous occurrences in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. The Senators, in contrast, have struggled recently, holding a disappointing record of 0-6-1 in their last seven visits to Florida.
The Return of Nick Cousins
Ottawa’s Nick Cousins made his return to Sunrise, having played with the Panthers during the previous two seasons. His return was marked by a tribute video, reflecting his impact on the team. Panthers coach Paul Maurice noted Cousins’ popularity among players, highlighting his multiple nicknames.
Injury Update
The Panthers played without defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, who has been placed on injured reserve due to an injury sustained during a previous game. The timeline for his recovery remains uncertain.
Upcoming Matchups
- Senators: Will host the Nashville Predators in their home opener on Monday.
- Panthers: Set to visit the Philadelphia Flyers to start a five-game road trip on Monday.
The Panthers are aiming to build on their unbeaten streak as they continue their season, while the Senators seek to turn around their fortunes.
