The Florida Panthers announced on March 10 that they will return home for two games at Amerant Bank Arena following a four-game road trip, which ended with a 3-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. The team, currently holding a record of 31-29-3 with 19 games remaining in the season, is trailing the Boston Bruins by 11 points for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The upcoming home games include a rematch against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday and a matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. After these games, the Panthers will embark on another four-game road trip starting with a game against the Seattle Kraken.
Forward A.J. Greer commented on the team’s approach to their final push of the season: “Finishing off is going to be the right way,” Greer said. “[It’s] going into the summer and making sure that we’ve given everything we’ve had and emptying the tank. We’ll push for playoffs, and we’ll see what happens.”
Head coach Paul Maurice provided updates regarding player injuries ahead of this week’s games. Maurice said that Brad Marchand would consult doctors about his lower-body injury: “There’s going to be a decision made on what’s the best way to get him to 100% full health.” Despite his injury, Marchand has recorded 27 goals and 27 assists so far this season. Maurice also addressed Sam Reinhart’s status, saying Reinhart will miss Tuesday’s game but could return as soon as Thursday: “You play nine (games) in 15 (days), you go to Italy (for the Winter Olympics), you come back and play six in nine, you’re going to get those (injuries). Now, we’re starting to deal with them.”
The Panthers have added two new players before last week’s trade deadline: Vinnie Hinostroza from Minnesota Wild and Cole Reinhardt off waivers from Vegas Golden Knights. Maurice said of their integration into the team: “They have a bit of a comfort level.” Hinostroza is expected to play Tuesday while Reinhardt may debut Thursday.
Looking ahead, fans can participate in events such as Cat’s Cup Street Hockey Tournament at Amerant Bank Arena later this month or take advantage of special offers through platforms like Panthers Plus and GameDay App.
