Spencer Knight’s new Panthers mask features artwork by some of the young patients at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
This was Spencer’s idea and honestly one of the coolest things I’ve seen an NHL goalie do with his mask.
As the dust settles from the Panthers-Flames blockbuster, I’m told Jonathan Huberdeau isn’t particularly happy with how everything played out.
There were some early, informal extension talks, but Huby’s camp was waiting for an offer that never came. The next call was the trade.
Tonight Sasha Barkov hit a new career high for penalty minutes in a season (he's up to 20). I asked Paul Maurice about it after the game.
"Goon. I can't control him. I've tried," Maurice joked.
Sergei Bobrovsky said he learned more during the Panthers two month playoff run than in his past 13 years in the NHL.
He’s planning to get a haircut this afternoon and “start fresh.”
Matthew Tkachuk will be at the Miami Heat game tonight, and he'll be joining the NBA on TNT crew for some pregame fun.
Chuck and Chuckie on set...get your popcorn ready.
Carter Verhaeghe on the mood of the team as the game went deeper into the overtimes:
“I think it just got funnier and funnier. We were just loose and laughing and having fun on the bench, and I think that’s what got us through it.”
“It's hard right now, but for sure something that I will remember for the rest of my life and every time I step on the ice, either to practice or game or something, I'll remember this group, this hell of a journey.” - Sasha Barkov
Spencer Knight has been placed in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. This likely means his season is over.
Whatever is ailing Spencer, let’s hope he gets the help he needs to get himself right. 🙏🏼
Jonathan Huberdeau: “Me, Barkie, Eckie, Weegs, all these guys never won a round. I think that was important for us and today it happened, so I think now we might as well go all the way.”
Sasha Barkov on the home fans: “How they support you is something unexplainable and something you will remember for the rest of your life. I’m looking forward to many more of that. I loved every second of the playoffs.”
I just asked Giroux about his desire to win the Stanley Cup and how it factored into his decision to come to Florida.
He boldly stated, "That’s the reason this trade happened."
As Bobrovsky and Panarin weigh their options, I’m told they have a very strong desire to play together. Panarin is leaning towards Florida but Bobrovsky is torn; Lamoriello playing a “huge impact” per source. Seems either way, it’s down to FLA and NYI.
Sasha Barkov and Sebastian Aho getting physical after the final horn, then chirping each other on the way to their respective dressing rooms.
Yes, you read that correctly. Sasha Barkov.
The Panthers are in the Eastern Conference Finals and the fanbase hasn’t been this energized in decades. Wouldn’t it be cool if they hosted watch parties at FLA Live Arena?
What the Florida Panthers were able to do over the past several months was truly remarkable.
While it sucks they came up short, don’t let that take away from one of the best and most enjoyable runs in franchise history.
Aaron Ekbald fought back tears as he spoke after Game 5.
“We’ll find a way to get ourselves back in this position, there's no doubt in my mind, especially with things that we learned about ourselves and the character of the guys on the team.”
"There was something about Florida, every time I tuned into a game, I just liked the way they played. For me, I thought it would be a perfect fit." - Claude Giroux
NEW: Matthew Tkachuk said he still feels like the luckiest guy in the NHL after being traded to the Panthers last summer.
He’s happy, he’s healing and he’s extremely motivated to finish what Florida started last season.
Jonathan Huberdeau on Sasha Barkov: “We’ve been fortunate to be here for a lot of years. We love playing in Florida. Barky just signed a huge contract and it’s nice to see he’s gonna stay here. We both want to stay here for the rest of our careers.”
Paul Maurice said the Panthers will travel home today and then he’ll give the players Mother’s Day off tomorrow before they get back at it on Monday. Team hasn’t had a day off since the playoffs started.
NEW: What the Florida Panthers were able to do over the past several months was truly remarkable.
While it sucks they came up short, don’t let that take away from one of the best and most enjoyable runs in franchise history.
The Marlins are in the NLDS. The Panthers made the bubble playoffs. The Heat are in the bubble Finals. The Dolphins have Tua and are trending up, and the Canes are in the Top 10.
We’ve come a long way, South Florida.
The Florida Panthers took off for Raleigh today wearing Miami Heat gear as the eight-seeds continue to support each other on their remarkable playoff journeys.
"Wouldn't it be unbelievable in two weeks if we were both still playing?" asked Paul Maurice.
Sergei Bobrovsky just made a diving Superman glove save followed by a split save with his right pad, then he got up and chirped a couple teammates.
He’s ready for Game 1.
Sasha Barkov said Ryan Lomberg was yelling ‘Cats are coming! We’re coming!’ from the Panthers bench when it was still 6-2 in the third period.
The Lomberghini knew…
The Florida Panthers have been around since 1993.
This is the first time in nearly 30 years of existence they’ve had the ability to go “ALL IN” and legitimately chase a Stanley Cup.
Drink it in.
Paul Maurice asked if there are any updates on Sasha Barkov.
“No.”
He then said Barkov’s neighbor had a Bar Mitzva that he was attending. “He didn’t want to disappoint the kids.”
Sasha Barkov was equally grateful and amazed at the way some of his teammates fought through extremely painful injuries during the playoffs.
It’s another sign that this team is learning what it takes to be champions.
BREAKING: The Panthers are hosting viewing parties outside FLA Live Arena during Game 3 and 4 in addition to the watch parties inside the arena for Game 1 and 2.
Reinhart on whether it felt like a playoff game tonight in Raleigh: “Unfortunately, the way my career has gone, I can’t comment on that, but it sure as heck felt like it.”