A Rough Re-entry for the Panthers
On February 22, 2025, the Florida Panthers returned to the ice at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, after a nearly two-week break. The team, coming off a grueling 4 Nations schedule, was eager to re-establish their dominance in the NHL. However, their return was met with a challenging 2-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken. The Panthers seemed a bit disjointed, struggling to find their usual rhythm. In contrast, the Kraken, who had been in South Florida for several days, appeared well-prepared and played a strong road game in a tough building. The difference in preparation and practice time was evident, and Florida had to contend with a well-rested and cohesive Seattle team.
Mixed Performance on the Ice
The break between games had an undeniable impact on the Panthers’ performance. Coach Paul Maurice noted that the team had only held a couple of shorthanded practices in the lead-up to the game, which seemed to affect their cohesiveness on the ice. The Kraken, on the other hand, had the advantage of a full team to practice together and acclimate to the Florida climate. Maurice acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We didn’t give up a whole heck of a lot, but there were some missed opportunities. We were above the bar on chances for and against, but some plays were sloppy, and we couldn’t get a handle on some pretty basic things.” Despite the loss, Maurice maintained a calm and measured tone, emphasizing that it was just one game and not a concerning trend.
The Turning Point
The game’s turning point came during the second period when Florida’s Mackie Samoskevich appeared to score a crucial goal, following a brilliant play by Sam Bennett. However, the goal was challenged and disallowed due to an interference call on center Evan Rodrigues. Referee TJ Luxmore announced that Rodrigues had skated into the goal crease on his own, causing the interference. The replay, however, seemed to suggest that Rodrigues was pushed into the crease. Nevertheless, the no-goal decision stood, and this call significantly dampened the Panthers’ momentum. Asked about the controversial moment, Maurice responded diplomatically, “We were going pretty good there, but rules are rules. We can’t touch a goalie in the blue paint, and I guess we did. I was not sure I would have challenged it, so (Seattle Coach Dan Bylsma is) right and I’m wrong.”
Lack of Third-Period Push
Typically, the Panthers are known for their ability to claw their way back into games, regardless of the score. They maintain a steady and composed demeanor, often finding ways to turn the tide in their favor. This game, however, was different. Florida managed only five shots in the third period, a stark contrast to their usual offensive prowess. Maurice was particularly disappointed with the team’s performance in the first five minutes of the third period, noting, “I especially didn’t like the first five minutes of our third period. That was really the piece of the game I didn’t like.” The team’s inability to transition the puck smoothly during this critical phase of the game contributed to their lack of scoring opportunities and ultimately their loss.
A Hot Goalie and Tough Breaks
One of the standout factors in the game was the performance of Seattle’s goaltender, Joey Daccord. He stood tall between the pipes, making several key saves that kept the Kraken in the lead. The Panthers had difficulty penetrating his defenses, and when they did, the interference call and other missed opportunities compounded their frustrations. Maurice acknowledged the challenge posed by Daccord, “Seattle had a hot goalie, and we needed to find more puck luck. We had some chances, but they just didn’t go our way.” The combination of a strong opposing goaltender and unfortunate breaks made it difficult for Florida to secure the win they were hoping for.
Moving Forward
Despite the disappointment, the Panthers remain a formidable team in the NHL. Coach Maurice emphasized the importance of learning from this game and using it as a stepping stone for future success. “We need to refocus and get back to our practice routine. We have a lot of talent, and I believe we will bounce back.” The team’s resilience and ability to adapt will be key as they continue their post-4 Nations schedule. With a strong roster and a committed coaching staff, the Panthers are well-positioned to make the necessary adjustments and regain their winning form in the coming games.
