Florida NHL Holiday Update

In the first matchup, the Panthers achieved a 4-2 win at Amalie Arena. Notably, A.J. Greer and Eetu Luostarinen each scored shorthanded goals during the same penalty kill, a rare and impressive feat. Sam Reinhart contributed significantly with two goals, bringing his total to 18 goals in 32 games against the Lightning. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad extended his point streak to four games, assisting on Greer’s goal, which marked his 250th career assist. Goaltender Spencer Knight made 19 saves, earning his sixth win of the season. 

The following night, the Lightning rebounded with a 4-0 victory at Amerant Bank Arena. Nikita Kucherov opened the scoring but was later ejected in the first period following a knee-on-knee collision with Panthers’ star forward Matthew Tkachuk. Tkachuk suffered a lower-body injury from the hit, leaving the ice in visible pain, though he returned in the second period. Goaltender Jonas Johansson was instrumental in the shutout, stopping all 36 shots faced.

The Panthers are hopeful that the Holiday break will allow players dealing with injuries and illnesses to recover. Head coach Paul Maurice admitted after Monday’s game that his players were limping into the four-day break after an exhaustive pre-Christmas schedule. The Cats are scheduled to resume practice on Friday, December 27, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, and host the Montreal Canadiens Saturday at 1 pm.

The Lightning have been managing without defenseman JJ Moser, who is expected to miss 8-10 weeks due to a lower-body injury sustained on December 18.