Somehow, the Florida Panthers are heading into the postseason with a roster that looks even better on paper than the one that won them the Stanley Cup last year.
When Matthew Tkachuk went down with an injury during the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off in February, it gave the Panthers room to make major trade deadline moves. They shipped off Spencer Knight and a first-round pick to acquire elite defenseman Seth Jones. Then, in a surprise move, they landed Brad Marchand from the Bruins for a conditional second-round pick.
Add in a few smart offseason signings, the emergence of a promising young talent, and the expected return of a healthy Tkachuk for Round 1, and Florida once again looks like a powerhouse.
Their playoff journey starts against a familiar rival — the Tampa Bay Lightning. The two Florida teams have met four times in the last five years, with the winner always going on to reach the Stanley Cup Final. Though Tampa took the first two series, Florida is now favored to flip the script when the series kicks off Tuesday, April 22, in Tampa.
Why the Panthers Are Built to Repeat
They Know What It Takes to Win
With a Cup now in their collection, the Panthers have become the blueprint for playoff hockey under head coach Paul Maurice. Florida plays a gritty, defensive brand of hockey that wears teams down and capitalizes on mistakes — a style that thrives in the postseason.
“The goal is to get as much talent as possible and then get them to buy into a defensive mindset,” Maurice said. “We’re not chasing flashy goals; we’re focused on grinding it out and taking advantage when chances come.”
Brad Marchand Adds Grit and Scoring Depth
Just when Florida seemed stacked enough, they added one of the NHL’s most effective and aggravating forwards in Brad Marchand. The veteran brings 23 goals, 51 points, and a reputation for getting under opponents’ skin. Even at 36, he’s still a two-way threat and will contribute on both special teams.
Rookie Mackie Samoskevich has stepped up big time too, netting 15 goals and 31 points this season. Jesper Boqvist, a low-profile signing, also delivered a career-best 12 goals. The team’s depth is so strong that Evan Rodrigues — last year’s playoff goal leader — is projected to start on the fourth line.
Superstars Are Peaking at the Right Time
Florida’s star players are experienced and playoff-proven. Since 2022, four Panthers rank among the top 20 in postseason points, with three in the top 10 for goals.
Tkachuk returns fresh after recovering from a groin injury, bringing with him 56 points in 56 career playoff games. Carter Verhaeghe continues to deliver in the clutch, leading the league with 10 game-winning goals in the playoffs since 2022.
Sam Reinhart and captain Aleksander Barkov have been elite at both ends of the ice, both in the conversation for the Selke Trophy — awarded to the NHL’s top defensive forward.
Bobrovsky Still Gets the Job Done
Despite a slight dip in regular-season numbers, Sergei Bobrovsky remains a trusted force in net. His save percentage dropped to .906, but his 2.44 goals-against average ranks fifth league-wide. Thanks to Florida’s stingy defense, which allows the fifth-fewest shots per game, Bobrovsky is often in a position to make the key saves.
“He’s a calming presence back there,” said defenseman Gustav Forsling. “When he sees the puck, he stops it.”
Versatility Gives Florida an Edge in Any Series
Much like last year, the Panthers can tailor their lineup to any opponent. Need more speed and skill? Boqvist fits the bill. Need more muscle? Guys like A.J. Greer or Jonah Gadjovich can bring the physical edge.
If someone like Samoskevich falters, players like Rodrigues or Boqvist can easily step up. Florida has 16 forwards it trusts and the flexibility to shuffle lines as needed — a major asset in a long playoff run.
The bottom line? The Panthers are ready for anything this postseason throws at them.
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