NHL Playoffs: Former Panthers Making Their Mark
As the NHL playoffs advance to the second round, a host of former Florida Panthers players are making their mark on their new teams. This year’s opening round featured a mix of intense matchups and surprising outcomes, despite the Panthers themselves being absent from the contention. Here’s a breakdown of the key performances from these former Panthers and their next challenges ahead.
Philadelphia Flyers Upset the Penguins
The Philadelphia Flyers, featuring Owen Tippett and Noah Juulsen, earned a minor upset by defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. Tippett, who was previously a first-round pick for the Panthers, played a crucial role with his speed, contributing to the Flyers’ offensive efforts even though he only registered two points with one goal before suffering an injury, which sidelined him for the first game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Juulsen, although he had sparse playing time with the Panthers, logged approximately 10 minutes per game in the series against the Penguins but didn’t score.
Carolina Hurricanes and Brandon Bussi
On another note, former Panthers goaltender Brandon Bussi has secured a three-year contract extension valued at $5.7 million with the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes notably swept the Ottawa Senators in their first series and started strong against the Flyers with a decisive 3-0 victory. Although Bussi hasn’t taken to the ice yet, starting goalie Frederik Andersen continues to thrive for the Hurricanes after a solid regular season. Mike Reilly, another ex-Panther, appeared briefly against the Flyers, contributing two assists in Game 1 after a limited stint with the Panthers.
Montreal Canadiens’ Performance
Meanwhile, Samuel Montembeault and Mike Matheson are in the Montreal Canadiens’ mix, who recently knocked out the Tampa Bay Lightning in a thrilling Game 7. Montembeault did not play during the round, serving as the third-string goaltender. Matheson, a former Panther known for his offensive skills, has transitioned into a reliable two-way defender but will face a strong test against the Buffalo Sabres in the next round.
Buffalo Sabres’ Alex Lyon
Over in Buffalo, Alex Lyon is gaining recognition following his impressive playoff performances. Once a pivotal player for the Panthers, Lyon has taken over as the Sabres’ goaltender during the playoffs, leading the team to three victories with an outstanding .955 save percentage and a 1.14 goals-against average.
Anaheim Ducks’ Struggles
Conversely, Radko Gudas and Frank Vatrano from the Anaheim Ducks have not made significant impacts. Gudas experienced a mishap in Game 1 against the Oilers, leading to an early exit from the series due to injury. Vatrano has been a healthy scratch for several games, continuing a trend of inconsistency that has plagued him since his days in Florida.
Other Notable Performances
Across the league, the Minnesota Wild overcame the Dallas Stars in a challenging first round, with Vladimir Tarasenko and Jeff Petry contributing to their success. While Tarasenko has remained somewhat subdued, Petry has struggled for ice time, playing only once in the playoffs. The Wild now faces a daunting matchup with the Colorado Avalanche in the next stage.
Conclusion
As teams prepare for their upcoming series, the performances of these former Panthers could affect the playoff landscape significantly. The NHL playoffs are heating up, and all eyes will be on these players as they seek to carve their paths toward the coveted Stanley Cup.
