Florida Panthers vs. Colorado Avalanche Preview
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for a challenging face-off against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday afternoon as they look to snap a two-game losing streak. This matchup, taking place at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, presents a significant test for the Panthers, who until recently enjoyed a strong run with seven victories in eight games during December. However, their performance has diminished recently, particularly after the holiday break. They have managed to win only once in their last four outings, including a disappointing defeat in the Winter Classic held at loanDepot Park last Friday.
Home Ice Advantage
The Panthers are hoping that playing on home ice will provide them with an edge as they prepare to face the best team in the NHL. They previously faced the Avalanche less than a month ago, suffering from the toll of playing back-to-back games and adjusting to the challenging altitude and time differences of Colorado. For this encounter, they are hoping to deliver a more robust performance, particularly after enjoying a day of rest at home.
Player Health Update
In terms of player health, defenseman Seth Jones exited the Winter Classic with an upper-body injury after taking a hit from a deflected puck, leaving his availability for Sunday uncertain. Fortunately for the Panthers, head coach Paul Maurice has expressed optimism about Jones’s condition, suggesting the injury may not be too severe, which in turn could signal his return for this crucial game.
Expected Lineup
For those interested in the lineup, the expected forward lines for the Panthers are:
- Eetu Luostarinen centering Anton Lundell and Sam Reinhart
- Carter Verhaeghe plays alongside Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand
- Mackie Samoskevich with Evan Rodrigues and A.J. Greer
- Jesper Boqvist with Luke Kunin and Jack Studnicka
On the defensive front, Gus Forsling and Aaron Ekblad will be paired together, while Niko Mikkola teams up with Jones if he is fit to play. Otherwise, Uvis Balinskis and Jeff Petry will take on a prominent role in defense.
