Florida Panthers Gear Up for Final Preseason Showdown Against Tampa Bay Lightning
Excitement Builds as Panthers Prepare for Regular Season Kickoff
In an eagerly anticipated preseason finale, the Florida Panthers are set to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. The game, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, represents the conclusion of the Panthers’ preseason journey, as they look forward to their regular season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, October 7, at 5 p.m. ET.
“One more preseason game to go, and everyone’s excited to get the regular season going,” said forward Eetu Luostarinen during a practice session at Baptist Health IcePlex.
Panthers and Lightning Face Off in Intense Florida Showdown
After matchups in Orlando and Tampa Bay, this third consecutive “Battle of Florida” returns to Sunrise. Both teams are expected to field lineups resembling their opening night rosters, bringing playofflevel intensity to the ice. Despite the Panthers’ 52 loss at Benchmark International Arena, the focus remained more on the 186 combined penalty minutes than the final score.
“I think it just brings the group together,” said forward Carter Verhaeghe. “Everyone’s sticking up for each other out there, it just builds camaraderie, guys are stepping up. It was a great game, but hopefully, we can play more hockey next game.”
Cole Schwindt Returns to the Panthers’ Lineup
The Panthers will welcome back a familiar face, forward Cole Schwindt, who was claimed off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights. Schwindt, initially drafted by the Panthers in 2019, expressed his excitement about rejoining familiar teammates.
“It feels, in some ways, like I kind of never left,” said Schwindt. “I know a fair number of guys in the locker room. It’s nice to come back to a couple of familiar faces, it’s fun.”
Key Players and Lineup Changes for the Panthers
Forwards Sam Bennett, Anton Lundell, Brad Marchand, and Sam Reinhart, along with defenseman Gustav Forsling, are not anticipated to play in Saturday’s game. Anton Lundell, after an upperbody injury, was seen skating with the team again. Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to start as goaltender for the Panthers, while Tampa Bay’s starting lineup, including goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, will be confirmed closer to the game time.
Projected Lineup for the Panthers
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How to Watch the Panthers vs. Lightning Game
The exciting matchup will take place at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL. Fans can tune in on WSFL, WHDT, WFTX, and Emegypt’s PanthersPlus.TV to catch all the action live. Please note, there will be no radio broadcast for this game.