The Florida Panthers closed their season with an 8-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Amerant Bank Arena on April 16. The game featured strong performances from several young players recently called up to the team.
Although the Panthers missed out on a third consecutive Stanley Cup playoff appearance due to injuries, players and coaches said they are determined to return next year. “We better just take advantage of this summer and come back with a complete snarl in us that we have to get back to playoffs,” forward Matthew Tkachuk said. “We have to. That’s the only thing that I’m sure we’re going to be talking about next year, building your game and playing playoff hockey all season. We didn’t do it this year. We let each other down. Hopefully this is a one-off. We have too much character in this room to not be playing in late April, May and June.”
Rookie Wilmer Skoog recorded his first National Hockey League point by assisting Vinnie Hinostroza’s opening goal early in the first period, while rookie defenseman Ludvig Jansson also earned his first career assist later in the game. “It’s a surreal feeling just being here,” Jansson said after contributing before heading back for American Hockey League playoffs.
Mike Benning, another rookie defenseman, scored twice during the second period and reflected on following his father’s footsteps as a former Panther player: “It was nice,” Benning said. “It’s a cherry on top, for sure. Those opportunities will come if you just play the right way.” Goaltender Daniil Tarasov made 24 saves as Florida finished its campaign with three straight wins.
Head coach Paul Maurice praised his team’s effort despite missing out on postseason play: “It was nice to have a win like that for our fans,” Maurice said. “We had a bit of a tough year here… Those guys came out and played their butts off.” Several rookies contributed multiple points—a franchise first—and fifteen different Panthers registered at least one point during the match.
Looking ahead, players emphasized building upon their experience for future seasons both in Florida and among prospects returning to Charlotte for AHL playoffs.
