The Florida Panthers are looking to even their Second Round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 2 at Scotiabank Arena. Back from a two-game suspension handed down by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, Aaron Ekblad reenters the lineup with a clear message about his intent, as he joins Brad Marchand and the Panthers in a pivotal matchup.
Game 1 went disastrously for the Panthers, though a late push put them within striking distance. Toronto set the pace from the start, and Florida couldn’t build any momentum until it was too late.
Perhaps Ekblad’s return is the difference-maker in the Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Leafs, as he provides an immediate impact in the lineup. Marchand’s Panthers struggled tremendously during the opening matchup with the Leafs, and they are determined to show a completely different face in the second game of the series.
Ahead of Game 2 at Scotiabank Arena, Ekblad delivered a powerful statement to his teammates, putting the Maple Leafs on their toes.
“Really excited. Obviously after Game 1, I’m hoping to provide some energy,” Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad said, per Jameson Olive on X.
Leave your message after (setting) the tone
The Panthers and Maple Leafs went at it during Game 1, with violent collisions and bodies flying all over the ice. There was no shortage of controversial incidents, either. Sam Bennett made contact with Anthony Stolarz’s head, causing the Leafs’ goalie to exit the game with signs of concussion.
Toronto is expected to retaliate in some fashion, as Bennett and the rest of the Panthers ought to keep their heads on a swivel. The Leafs will look to assert their own form of justice after the NHL decided not to issue any supplemental discipline against Florida’s star.
In addition to his skills on the ice, Ekblad’s physical presence also plays a crucial role in patrolling the ice for the Panthers‘ stars to play fearlessly. He returns after missing Game 1 due to the two-game suspension handed down by the league for elbowing Brandon Hagel in the First Round.
On that note, head coach Paul Maurice made it clear just how impactful the star blueliner is. “We’ve missed him. He’s a big part of what we do,” Paul Maurice said.
Mack is back
In addition to Ekblad’s return from suspension, Marchand and the Panthers will also retrieve a key player for Game 2. Young rising star Mackie Samoskevich is back in the lineup for the first time since Game 3 of the first round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Samoskevich didn’t suffer any injury, though. His absence was entirely a gameplan decision from Maurice, who opted for more experienced options instead of the rookie, who has blossomed into a crucial player for the Cats.
“In some ways the pressure is off him. He gets to come back in and just play,” Maurice said about the former 24th overall pick in the 2021 NHL entry Draft.
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Although he’s only registered one point so far in the playoffs, Samoskevich’s return could provide an instant spark in the fourth line, where he could be a force to be reckoned with for the Leafs.