Matthew Tkachuk hasn’t been on the ice for the Florida Panthers since early February due to injury. Aaron Ekblad, an essential defenseman, won’t return to play until Game 3 of the postseason, owing to a suspension, and Brad Marchand is yet to make his debut with the Panthers following his trade at the deadline.
Despite these significant absences, Florida continues to perform admirably, securing nine victories in their initial 14 games after the NHL season resumed following the 4 Nations Face-Off break. They remain at the forefront of the Atlantic Division with 11 matches still on the agenda.
Seth Jones, who joined the team from Chicago, has seamlessly integrated into the lineup, bolstering the reigning Stanley Cup champions’ chances for another deep playoff journey.
“This is just how things go,” remarked Sam Bennett, whose 12 points in this stretch tie him with Aleksander Barkov for second-most in the roster, just behind Sam Reinhart’s 13 points. “Crucial players will be missing at vital times. During the playoffs, losing key players is inevitable, and it falls upon us to step up our game, with everyone putting in extra effort when our indispensable guys are out.”
Tkachuk’s injury arose during his participation for the U.S. in the 4 Nations on February 15. As for Ekblad, he’s facing a 20-game suspension since March 10, following a performance-enhancing drugs violation.
While the Panthers were aware that Marchand would be unavailable until early April due to an injury in what was his final game with the Boston Bruins on March 1, coach Paul Maurice is optimistic about his return. Maurice anticipates Marchand could be skating and back on the ice by the end of the current week or early April.
In the absence of these players, Florida has excelled defensively, limiting opponents to just two goals per game, which ties them for the fewest goals allowed across the league during this stretch.
“What distinguishes them and why they’re arguably the league’s best defending team is their superior net front and slot protection,” noted Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery before their Saturday matchup against Florida. “It’s partly their strategic setup, but also their players’ elite dedication to win one-on-one battles and protect those crucial areas.”
Florida’s head coach Paul Maurice lauds his team’s handling of the current predicament. Even with a 3-1 loss to Montreal and a subpar road trip, Maurice humorously remarked that there would be no giving up on the season.
“We’ve managed well,” Maurice commented. “We’re used to playoff scenarios without Bennett, Barkov, and others. … We’ve faced similar challenges.”
Since hiring Maurice and trading for Tkachuk in the summer of 2023, the Panthers have clinched seven of eight playoff series, making consecutive appearances in the finals and securing the franchise’s first championship. With Marchand and Jones, who are playing significant minutes in Ekblad’s absence, there’s optimism to build on this success.
“He’s been exceptional,” said forward Jonah Gadjovich about Jones. “Both on and off the ice, his leadership and skills are invaluable to us.”
Inside the team’s locker room, players like Gadjovich emphasize that missing top players isn’t a valid excuse. Their mindset remains focused on triumphing despite these challenges.
“Though we’re without many guys now, we eagerly await their return,” he stated. “Whoever is in the lineup has a role to fulfill. We all understand Panther hockey and what’s expected from us.”