Panthers Look to Dominate Golden Knights in Rematch

SUNRISE, Fla. — The Florida Panthers will seek to convert their strong finish in the last match into a victory against the Vegas Golden Knights at Amerant Bank Arena on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET. This comes after the Panthers suffered a 5-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins a day earlier, despite dominating with 37 shots on goal and 39 scoring chances.

“We’ve been lacking offensive zone and pucks to the net,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. “But against Pittsburgh, we had some great chances to score. I want to see that speed in our offensive game.” Brad Marchand, leading the Panthers with 10 points this season, scored twice against Pittsburgh. Mackie Samoskevich contributed two primary assists and has six points total this season.

Forward Cole Schwindt will make his season debut against the Golden Knights, stepping in for injured Luke Kunin. Schwindt, who has played in 49 NHL games, is returning to the Panthers after being claimed off waivers from Vegas.

“I’m really excited to play again in the arena where I started my NHL journey,” Schwindt said.

As for the Golden Knights, they are on a streak of 5-0-2 and are fresh off a 4-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Jack Eichel leads the NHL in scoring with 16 points in seven games. Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues praised Eichel’s ability to navigate the ice. “You can’t get the puck off him because he just pulls it away from you,” Rodrigues said.

Both teams will battle not only for the win but also for positioning, as the Panthers and Golden Knights are adjusting their rosters. The Golden Knights are missing key players, including goalie Adin Hill, who is out with a lower-body injury.

Recent history favors neither team as they met twice last season and split victories at home. After the Panthers lost to Vegas in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, they have since captured two consecutive championships.

The matchup is pivotal as both teams are looking to assert their dominance early in the season.