In 72 games this season, the 2021 first round pick (24th overall) tallied 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists) to match Carter Berhege’s five-game winning goal leading the team.
Rather than being physically shy, Samoskevich ranked sixth with 134 hits for the Panthers.
“I don’t need to be careful with him anymore. He understands what we’re doing,” coach Paul Maurice said of Samoskevich. “I’m excited for him because he was with us because he was with us last year and it feels like he was with us. And he’s coming in and for his achievements, he handles every situation like a great professional.”
Having won the trust of Maurice and the Panthers, Samoskevich is expected to produce from the start of Game 1 against his cross-state rival Lightning.
During Saturday’s practice, the speedy sniper was rushing on the second line alongside Sam Bennett and Matthew Tokachuk, who were approaching a return from injury.
Despite playing together for a short time in February before Tkachuk was knocked out of the lineup, Maurice said he loves what the trio looks like right away.
Beyond the ice time of 5-5 over 25:10, the Samoskevich, Bennett and Tkachuk line recorded a 64.52% share of shot attempts and a 70.21% share of the expected target, according to Stowstattrick.com.
“I was looking forward to it,” Samoskevich said of bringing the line back together. “They support me so much. They make it easy for me. Their hockey sense is off the charts, so it makes me better.”
It will be his first Stanley Cup playoffs, but no. 25 is no stranger to high stakes games.
Before turning professionals, Connecticut native University of Michigan won the Big Ten tournament and advanced to the Frozen Four semi-finals during the 2022-23 season.
During these tournaments he scored eight points (4 goals, 4 assists) in seven games.
“I think it’s huge,” Samoskevich said of his previous experience playing in Michigan State and the postseason. “These are one game or they’re out, so it’s all the pressure of one game. You have to be ready for anything and those games were huge for me.”
In addition to the playoff experience, Samoskevich also appeared in 10 playoff games with AHL’s Charlotte Checkers from 2023-24, attracting four assists during that period.
“The playoffs in the American League last year are at a different level,” he said. “I learned that and it’s going to be on another level here.”
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