The Florida Panthers announced on March 9 updates to their roster and injury status as they prepare to host the Detroit Red Wings at Amerant Bank Arena. The team recently ended a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over Detroit, improving their record to 31-29-3.
The win was highlighted by Matthew Tkachuk’s sixth career hat trick. Head coach Paul Maurice said of Tkachuk, “That ability to finish — his hands. If he gives you one or two of those games a month, that’s 15 points. We missed it. We’re glad to see it and glad he’s back.”
With 19 games left in the season, the Panthers are currently 11 points out of the second wild card spot in the Atlantic Division. Forward A.J. Greer said after practice, “Finalizing this year, being able to make sure that the details, the culture, the way that we play, and the way we carry ourselves throughout this stretch here, finishing off is going to be the right way. 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.”
Two new players joined practice following recent acquisitions: Vinnie Hinostroza and Cole Reinhardt. Hinostroza returns after previously playing with Florida during the 2020-21 season and said, “Coming back here, there’s probably three or four guys that were here. A lot of new faces, new practice facility that’s amazing.” Reinhardt added about joining his new team: “We play a hard game and it’s simple here. Just hop on board and play that way.”
Maurice provided injury updates for several key players after Monday’s practice. Brad Marchand will miss Tuesday’s game due to a lingering injury; Maurice said, “We’re going to come up with a plan for him… We’ve been able to maintain it, but it’s just a function of nine (games) in 15 (days), go to Italy, come back, six (games) in nine days… We’re maintaining guys as best we possibly can, but Brad would be one that we’ll get a decision this week on what’s the best thing for him going forward.” Jonah Gadjovich is trending toward returning within another week after being out since October 25. Defenseman Seth Jones remains sidelined since an injury sustained during the Winter Classic on January 2; Maurice said Jones can take contact but still needs further healing before returning.
As they approach their next games against Detroit and Columbus Blue Jackets at home this week, Florida continues adjusting its lineup while pushing for playoff contention.
