The Florida Panthers will start a crucial back-to-back series against the Washington Capitals tonight at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. The match is set to commence at 7 p.m. ET. Both teams currently occupy wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference, with the Panthers holding a record of 20-15-2, while the Capitals lead by three points at 20-13-5.
Recent Performance and Players to Watch
Following a challenging 4-2 defeat to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Panthers aim to reclaim their momentum. They have won seven of their last ten games and are looking for a fast-paced performance, as emphasized by head coach Paul Maurice.
- Sam Bennett noted the team’s resilience amidst injuries, stating that they’re focused on maintaining their style of hockey.
- Brad Marchand is a key player to watch, leading the Panthers with 21 goals and assists each, totaling 42 points. He is currently on a seven-game point streak.
- Goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky will start tonight, boasting a record of 16-9-1 and a .888 save percentage this season.
Capitals Update
The Capitals recently ended a three-game losing streak with a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils. Tom Wilson leads Washington with 34 points, while Alexander Ovechkin and defenseman Jakub Chychrun are also performing strongly.
- Ovechkin has 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) and is the NHL’s all-time leader in goals.
- Chychrun stands out with 15 goals, the highest among NHL defensemen.
- Goalkeeper Logan Thompson is expected to start and has a record of 15-9-3 with a .917 save percentage for the season.
Historic Performance in Sunrise
The Panthers have a strong track record against the Capitals at home, holding an impressive 8-1-1 record in their last ten encounters in Sunrise. The last meeting on November 13 saw the Panthers claim a 6-3 victory, showcasing their ability to dominate the ice.
What’s Next?
Tonight’s matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to solidify their playoff positions. Players like Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell are also in focus as they aim to contribute effectively. The Panthers will take this opportunity to strengthen their back-to-back series before heading into more challenging games ahead.
As excitement builds for the game, fans can catch all the action on various platforms, including WSFL and the Panthers GameDay App. With the stakes high, expect an exhilarating showdown between these two competitive teams.
