The Florida Panthers continue to make waves.
In the first game after buying defensive man Seth Jones in a smash trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, the defending Stanley Cup champion looked after the business in his barn and defeated cross-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 on Monday.
At 38-21-3, the Panthers are currently tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs, earning most of the Atlantic Division points.
“I really liked it,” Captain Alexander Barkov said after scoring a pair of highlight reel goals in the fierce battle victory at the Lightning. “We put in effort throughout the game. We knew they were a really good team and they were playing really well, so we had to be at our best.”
The Panthers, the winner of each of the last four games, will try to sink their teeth deeper into the division’s top spot this week with two more important matchups.
Close the book at the five-game homestand, they will hold a playoff hoppy Columbus Blue Jacket on Thursday and a rebuild of the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.
As for Jones, the newest Panther looks forward to settling in South Florida.
“If you look at the NHL standards, this is it,” Jones said. “The way they play, I keep saying the style of hockey, it’s physical, it’s on your face, it’s offensive, it’s all pinching everything. Everyone is working hard on both sides of the pack, and that’s the most important thing to me.”
To see what’s happening around territory this week or below, continue below.
game
Thursday, March 6th: vs. Columbus Blue Jacket – 7pm
**TV & Streaming **: Panthers+, WSFL-TV, WHDT, WFTX, ESPN+ (out of the market) Radio: 790 Waxy (Dade/Broward); 1230 WBZT-AM & 92.1 WZZR-FM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Key); Panthers App; SiriusXM App & Streaming 931 Theme Night: Vamos Gatos
Saturday, March 8th: vs. Buffalo Sabres – 6pm
**TV & Streaming**: Panthers+, WSFL-TV, WHDT, WFTX, ESPN+ (out of the market) Radio: 790 Waxy (Dade/Broward); 1230 WBZT-AM & 1 WZZR-FM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Key); Panthers App; SiriusXM App & Streaming 931
boqvist has been expanded
Jesper Boqvist found a house.
After joining the Panthers on a one-year contract last summer, the 26-year forward was inked on a two-year contract extension Tuesday after the 2026-27 season.
“Jesper has proven to be a very competitive and dynamic forward that can be used in any situation,” said Billjit, president of hockey operations and general manager. “He fits seamlessly into our group and we are excited to continue his career with him.”
Bokvist, the newest player to find a game in South Florida, has registered 22 points in 59 games this season.
With easy moving up and down the lineup, the speedy Swedes rank third among Florida forwards with 11, including three winners in the game.
NHL trade deadline
Even after making a splash with five NHL All-Star Seth Jones acquisitions, the Panthers could make more moves before the upcoming trading deadline.
Matthew Tkachuk has been placed in the LTIR recently, so there is cap space to add.
That’s, of course, if Tkachuk is out until the playoffs. This is a possibility.
To read Tkachuk’s status, click here.
The trading deadline for Friday is 3pm, as the phone is likely already ringing.
Stay tuned for the latest information.
Fighting against the blue jacket
Is this a potential playoff matchup?
The Panthers must be at their best when hosting the Blue Jackets at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday, as both teams are currently on a four-game winning streak.
Columbus, who owns a 30-22-8 record, currently holds the second wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, sitting only four points from third place in the Metropolitan category.
A threat to gain Noristophile, Zach Welensky is the driving force behind the Blue Jacket’s revival, leading by 64 points (18 goals, 46 points) from the Blue Line.
An incredibly powerful offense, Columbus ranks fifth in the NHL, scoring 3.35 goals per game.
For tickets please click here.
Register for the Cats Cup
Is there no ice? no problem!
The Panthers are affiliated with the Hockey Fest Game! We offer the first cat cup tournament.
This brand new street hockey (no skates!) event will take place on March 15th and 16th at the Amerant Bank Arena announced by Coors Light & Verizon.
In both the adult and child divisions, each game is played 3-on-3 with goalkeepers. Two additional players can be added to each roster for an additional fee.
Food, music, drinks, etc. are fun for everyone.
Click here to learn more or to sign up for teams.
Automation Sweepstakes
Now fans can enter to win the ultimate Panthers game day experience.
One of the Lucky Fans announced by Autonation will win four Vault tickets to watch the Panthers win the Maple Leafs on April 8th.
Click here to enter.
Milestone Watch
Dmitry Kulikov has been four assists from his 200th NHL assist. Evan Rodriguez is five goals away from his 100th NHL goal. Carter Verhaeghe is seven points away from the 300th NHL point. Anton Randell is five assists from his 100th NHL assist. Seth Jones is three goals away from his 100th NHL goal.
Cats Clip of the Week
Meet a new guy!
Watch Seth Jones’ introductory press conference in the video below.
