Panthers Notebook: Visiting Old Friends And Boqvist’s Fiery Impact

Fort Lauderdale: It’s that time of year again: brew some coffee and prepare for late-night hockey.

Sitting atop the Atlantic Division with a 17-9-2 record and riding a six-game point streak (5-0-1) after a 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks, the Florida Panthers are set to embark on a demanding five-game road trip.

The Panthers will face playoff-calibre teams in Seattle, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Minnesota. Head Coach Paul Maurice emphasized the challenge of this stretch: “Based on the standings, Seattle is just a point or two out, and the other four teams are in playoff positions. This is a tough schedule with high-quality opponents.”

Success on the Road

The Panthers have thrived on the road, boasting one of the best away records in the NHL. Since the 2023-24 season, the team has a.676 road winning percentage (34-15-5). During these games, they’ve outscored opponents 190-139, achieved a 27.2% power-play success rate, and posted an 86.5% penalty-kill rate.

As the Panthers prepare for this challenging road trip, maintaining their strong away performance will be critical to securing points before returning to South Florida.

“It’s tough,” said forward Carter Verhaeghe about the road schedule. “It’s fun to be with the guys, and travelling together is great, but it can be taxing. Our recovery staff does a great job of taking care of us, ensuring we’re rested and ready for the next game.”

Reuniting with Old Teammates

The matchups in Seattle and Calgary hold extra meaning, as the Panthers will face former teammates Brandon Montour, Josh Mahura, and Ryan Lomberg for the first time. “We miss those guys,” Verhaeghe said. “They were great teammates who kept the locker room light and fun. It’ll be strange seeing them in different colours, but it’s always exciting to reconnect and catch up.”

Montour played 239 games for the Panthers, tallying 147 points (37 goals, 110 assists). Mahura suited up in 112 games with 25 points (four goals, 21 assists), while Lomberg contributed 49 points (28 goals, 21 assists) and 535 hits over 246 games. All three were instrumental in Florida’s Stanley Cup win.

Jesper Boqvist Heating Up

Jesper Boqvist continues to impress in his first season with the Panthers, proving his versatility regardless of his role in the lineup.

Currently playing on the second line alongside Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk, the 26-year-old forward has showcased his relentless work ethic and ability to adapt to any situation. “He’s one of our leaders in hits, and he’s not the biggest guy,” Maurice said. “He brings so much energy and strength to the game.”

With 65 hits, nine points (four goals, five assists), and 11 blocked shots in 28 games, Boqvist’s contributions have been crucial.

Playing with Bennett and Tkachuk has allowed Boqvist to shine further. “It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “I’m just trying to play my game, read off them, and contribute however I can.”

Maurice added that he’s eager to see how the chemistry between Boqvist, Bennett, and Tkachuk continues to develop.