Browsing: Panthers

Carolina Panthers veteran running back Rico Dowdle had a breakout performance in Sunday’s win over the Miami Dolphins.

Dowdle, who got the start in place of Chuba Hubbard while he sat out with a calf injury, totaled 234 yards from scrimmage to help lead the Panthers to a 27-24 victory. He racked up 206 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries while adding three catches for 28 yards.

According to Fantasy Pros, Dowdle is rostered in just 53 percent of ESPN fantasy football leagues. It can be expected that he will be a popular waiver-wire target this week, but managers should proceed with some caution.

ESPN’s David Newton noted that Panthers head coach Dave Canales classified Hubbard as day-to-day with the expectation that this isn’t a long-term injury. Hubbard led Carolina with 217 yards on 53 carries through four games, while Dowdle had only 83 yards on 28 carries in a backup role.

Once Hubbard is back in the lineup, it can be expected that Dowdle’s volume could see a significant drop-off. Calf injuries are tricky to gauge, so there’s a chance that he sits out a bit longer to ensure that he’s fully healed.

If you were smart enough to have Dowdle on your roster already, perhaps now would be the time to sell high in hopes of acquiring a top-tier player with a better outlook for the rest of the 2025 season.

Making the right move with Dowdle could go a long way toward helping your team compete for a playoff spot later this year.

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SUNRISE, Fla. — Niko Mikkola had an assist on a goal that gave the Florida Panthers an 8-0 lead. Problem was, he’d been kicked out of the game a few minutes earlier and nobody noticed.

It was that kind of night between the Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Florida defeated Tampa Bay 7-0 in the preseason finale for both clubs Saturday night, though the score was irrelevant. There were 65 penalties for 312 minutes on the stat sheet, including 13 game misconduct penalties — seven for Tampa Bay, six for Florida. The penalty count kept rising after the game, as officials were making sure everything that was called got logged.

“I have no idea,” Florida coach Paul Maurice said, when asked what message Tampa Bay was trying to send with its style of play. “I’m not worried about it; training camp is over. We had some good games … and no one was complaining about ice time by the end of it, so it’s over.”

Florida had 17 power-play chances in the game, by the NHL’s count.

“It got silly. It got stupid by the end of it,” Florida forward Evan Rodrigues said. “It wasn’t really hockey out there.”

The parade to the penalty boxes started about two minutes into the game when Tampa Bay’s Scott Sabourin — who was among six players the Lightning called up for the game — went after Florida’s Aaron Ekblad. Sabourin got a major penalty after playing only 19 seconds.

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“It made you think there might be something coming,” Florida’s Eetu Luostarinen said, when asked what he thought when he saw the Lightning called up players for the game.

What would have been the eighth Florida goal of the night, midway through the third period, was taken away 15 minutes after Jesper Boqvist scored. Off-ice officials realized that Mikkola couldn’t have had an assist on the play — since he’d been ejected earlier in the period.

The teams skated with the scoreboard saying Florida led 8-0 for about five minutes of actual game time, before officials informed both teams that the goal had been taken away and Mikkola had to leave the game.

The Lightning took nine penalties and had no shots on goal in the third period.

Saturday’s game came two nights after the teams combined for 49 penalties and 186 minutes in another preseason contest, one the Lightning won 5-2.

Tampa Bay went to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals from 2020 through 2022, winning two titles in that span. Florida has been to each of the past three Stanley Cup Finals and has won the past two Cups. And there has long been a heated rivalry between the franchises.

“I think anybody that’s been a part of this rivalry would probably look at this box score and A, not be surprised and B, I can’t believe it’s taken this long for something like that to happen,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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SUNRISE, Fla. — Niko Mikkola had an assist on a goal that gave the Florida Panthers an 8-0 lead. Problem was, he’d been kicked out of the game a few minutes earlier and nobody noticed.

Florida beat Tampa Bay 7-0 in the preseason finale for both clubs Saturday night, though the score was irrelevant. There were 65 penalties for 312 minutes on the stat sheet, including 13 game misconduct penalties — seven for Tampa Bay, six for Florida. The penalty count kept rising after the game, while officials were making sure everything that was called got logged.

Florida had 17 power-play chances in the game, by the NHL’s count.

“It got silly. It got stupid by the end of it,†Florida forward Evan Rodrigues said. “It wasn’t really hockey out there.â€

The parade to the penalty boxes started about two minutes into the game when Tampa Bay’s Scott Sabourin — who was among six players the Lightning called up for the game — went after Florida’s Aaron Ekblad. Sabourin got a major penalty after playing only 19 seconds.

“It made you think there might be something coming,†Florida’s Eetu Luostarinen said, when asked what he thought when he saw the Lightning called up players for the game.

What would have been the eighth Florida goal of the night, midway through the third period, was taken away 15 minutes after Jesper Boqvist scored. Off-ice officials realized that Mikkola couldn’t have had an assist on the play — since he’d been ejected earlier in the period.

The teams skated with the scoreboard saying Florida led 8-0 for about five minutes of actual game time, before officials informed both teams that the goal had been taken away and Mikkola had to leave the game.

The Lightning took nine penalties and had no shots on goal in the third period.

Saturday’s game came two nights after the teams combined for 49 penalties and 186 minutes in another preseason contest, one the Lightning won 5-2.

Tampa Bay went to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals from 2020 through 2022, winning two titles in that span. Florida has been to each of the last three Stanley Cup Finals and has won the last two Cups. And it has long been a heated rivalry between the franchises.

“I think anybody thatâ€s been a part of this rivalry would probably look at this box score and A, not be surprised and B, I canâ€t believe itâ€s taken this long for something like that to happen,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said.

It came close, but Saturday’s gong show didn’t quite beat the record for most combined penalty minutes in one game. That record belongs to the Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators, who in 2004 combined for 419 penalty minutes — 409 of which took place in the third period. If this had been a regular-season game, it would have taken the cake for most PIMs since 2011, per Sportsnet Stats.

The Panthers and Lightning each have some time to cool down, though, as their next meeting isn’t until Nov. 15.

— With files from Sportsnet Staff

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Saturday’s game between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning might have just had it all.

More than 300 penalty minutes, 13 ejections, a hat trick, a shutout and a goal taken away retroactively.

That’s right, thanks to the Florida-based clubs turning the contest into something that might have fit on Saturday’s card at UFC 320, the Panthers lost out on Jesper Boqvist’s third-period tally.

When Boqvist scored Florida’s eighth goal of the night, Niko Mikkola was on the ice and collected an assist on the play. The only problem? Mikkola had been handed a game misconduct earlier in the game.

So, when it was discovered that Mikkola wasn’t supposed to be in the game anymore, the officials convened and informed the teams that the point was coming off the board and Florida would receive a penalty.

Mikkola was handed his misconduct at 4:01 of the third period.

The Panthers ultimately won the game 7-0 in the final pre-season tilt for both sides. Perhaps the most intense rivalry in the NHL right now, even exhibition games can’t keep the Lightning and Panthers from parading into the penalty box.

The division rivals are set to play four times this season, with the first matchup scheduled for Nov. 15.

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The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up their respective preseasons on Saturday night in Sunrise.

Much like the previous meeting between the two intra-state rivals that took place in Tampa on Thursday, one that ended with 186 penalty minutes being called, Saturdayâ€s game felt like it had equal parts hockey and extracurricular activities.

In just the first period, which took 53 minutes to complete thanks to all the rough stuff, the Cats and Bolts combined for 64 penalty minutes and four game misconducts.

One of the men shown the gate was Tampaâ€s Scott Sabourin, who was one of several Tampa players called up from their AHL affiliate hours before the game who showed a propensity for getting physical with Panthers players right from the start.

Sabourin was tossed from the game after hitting and then cross-checking Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad in the face at the 2:18 mark of the first period, ending both of their nights after one shift.

After the game, Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice did not have an update on Ekblad, only saying that he would be reevaluated on Sunday.

As is generally the case, the Panthers didnâ€t let any of that phase them in pursuing of the greater good: picking up two points.

While the Lightning were racking up the ejections (three Tampa players were shown the gate during the opening period), Florida was putting the puck in the net.

Power play goals from Mackie Samoskevich and Evan Rodrigues, and an even strength tally off the stick of Jack Studnicka, sent the Cats into the first intermission with a 3-0 lead.

Unsurprisingly, the arrival of the middle frame brought more of the same.

As Tampa players continued congregating in the penalty box, Florida kept pumping in the power play goals.

Jeff Petry joined the fun, and both Samoskevich and Rodrigues tickled the twine for a second time to give the Cats a hearty 6-0 lead.

Rodrigues picked up the hat trick during the third period, and yes, as you may have guessed, it came with Florida on the power play.

Samoskevich lost his shot at a hatty when he was one of four players ejected at the 4:01 mark of the third.

When the dust settled, Florida and Tampa combined for an eye-popping 274 penalty minutes and the Panthers skated away with a 7-0 win.

For those wondering, the Cats and Bolts meet for the first time during the regular season on Nov. 15 in Sunrise.

On to Opening Night.

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Photo caption: Oct 2, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Eetu Luostarinen (27) pushes Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser (90) down to the ice in the third period at Benchmark International Arena. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Cole Schwindt was a player the Florida Panthers reluctantly included in the trade that brought them Matthew Tkachuk from Calgary three years ago.

And now, the Panthers brought Schwindt back.

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions claimed Schwindt off waivers Friday — a move that, somewhat ironically, figures to help them get through playing without Tkachuk for the first few weeks of the season.

“We had him before and we know what he can do,” Florida president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito said. “There’s a lot of upside. It’s a great opportunity for him.”

Schwindt — who was in the deal that sent Jonathan Huberdeau, Mackenzie Weegar and draft capital to the Flames for Tkachuk in 2022 — spent last season with Vegas, playing in 42 games and finishing with a goal and seven assists. He played in three games with Florida in 2021-22 and four games with Calgary in 2023-24, never registering a point in either of those stops.

But with Tkachuk out until probably December, and with captain Aleksander Barkov expected to miss most if not the entire season with torn knee ligaments, Florida needed to replenish its depth. Schwindt was placed on waivers Thursday by Vegas and the Panthers won the claim.

Schwindt’s brother, Kai Schwindt, is also part of the Panthers organization. Kai Schwindt was in camp with the team this fall and was assigned earlier this week to Florida’s AHL affiliate in Charlotte.

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The Florida Panthers have agreed to an eight-year extension with defenseman Niko Mikkola, and as a result have locked in each of their top four defensemen until at least 2030.

Sources said the extension has an average annual value of $5 million.

Mikkola’s new deal, announced Thursday by general manager Bill Zito without financial terms, comes as the Panthers begin their quest for a three-peat without two of their biggest stars. Matthew Tkachuk is recovering from offseason surgery and is expected to be back around December. Captain Aleksander Barkov tore an ACL and MCL at a preseason practice and has a projected recovery from surgery of seven to nine months.

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Mikkola, 29, has found his game with the Panthers, where he was a key defensive cog in each of their Stanley Cup wins. He has appeared in 46 playoff games over the past two seasons, averaging 19:23 per contest. He also scored some clutch (if unlikely) goals, including the game winner in Game 3 of the 2025 Eastern Conference finals against the Carolina Hurricanes. At 6-foot-6 and 205 pounds, Mikkola’s game blends physicality with strong skating.

“Niko has proven himself to be a dependable defenseman who uses his speed and physicality to impact both ends of the ice,” Zito said in a statement. “He was an indispensable piece of our past two championship campaigns, and we are thrilled that Niko will be continuing his career with the Florida Panthers.”

A native of Finland, Mikkola was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round (No. 127) of the 2015 NHL draft. After three seasons in St. Louis, he was traded to the New York Rangers in 2023 as part of the Vladimir Tarasenko deal.

He signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with the Panthers in 2023 as a free agent. This season is the final year of that deal; the extension will kick in for 2026-27 and runs through 2033-34. Fellow Panthers defensemen Gustav Forsling, Aaron Ekblad and Seth Jones have already committed to long-term deals.

Mikkola is expected to be named to the Finnish team for the 2026 Olympics in Milan.

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Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov is currently in the recovery phase after having major knee surgery.

It was five days ago that Barkov went under the knife to repair a torn ACL and MCL on his right knee, an injury he suffered the day before during a training camp practice at the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale.

According to the Panthers, Barkov is expected to miss anywhere from seven to nine months due to the surgery.

On Wednesday, with the NBAâ€s Miami Heat were taking part in their own training camp practice on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

Barkov, who apparently felt that five days post-surgery was more than enough time to wait, was seen using crutches on the court of FAUâ€s Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena while paying a visit to the Heat players and coaches.

Over the years, Barkov has been spotted at plenty of Heat games and he hasnâ€t been shy about saying heâ€s a big fan of local basketball squad.

The feeling is apparently mutual.

Just ask Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra, who has gotten to know Barkov a bit over the past couple decades.

“Heâ€s so inspiring,†said Spoelstra. “I love for all the guys to see him over there. Itâ€s been an electrifying run that theyâ€ve had the last three seasons, and heâ€s a major part of it. Yes, he has the talent, but when you start diving into what everybody says about his character, his leadership, his mentorship, about all the right things. He moves a locker room because of what heâ€s about. Thatâ€s real talent.â€

As Barkov stood on the sideline, watching practice while leaning on his crutches, several Heat players, coaches and executives, including Alonzo Mourning, came over to say hello and wish him their best.

To his credit, and to the surprise of no one who knows him, Barkov was all smiles, full of positivity.

“It is heartbreaking to see him on crutches, but then you talk to him and heâ€s saying, ‘Oh, no worries. Iâ€ll be back in five or six months,â€â€ Spoelstra said, adding that while he loves Barkovâ€s spirit regarding his recovery, he joked that the Panthers†medical staff would probably not want Barkov giving out timeline estimates just yet.

“I love that guy,†said Spo. “I love everything heâ€s about.â€

Barkovâ€s Panthers will play their final two preseason games against the Tampa Bay Lightning – Thursday in Tampa and Saturday in Sunrise – before hosting the Chicago Blackhawks for Opening Night on Tuesday at Amerant Bank Arena.

As for the Heat, their preseason slate begins on Saturday when they meet the Orlando Magic in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Photo caption: Jun 22, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, UNITED STATES; Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) speaks to the fans during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

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The Florida Panthers returned home to Sunrise for the first time since hoisting the Stanley Cup back on June 17th. It was the debut of their new scoreboard, and a lineup with a mix of veterans and young guys, the Panthers fought off the Hurricanes comeback as they won it in overtime by a final of 4-3.

It did not take long for the first goal to be scored. After battling for the puck at the end boards, Mackie Samoskevich set up Jack Studnicka, who beat Frederick Andersen with a backhand shot through the legs to make it 1-0 Florida.

Each team got a power play in the first period, but neither team lit the lamp on special teams.

Florida added on to their lead in the second period. Their active sticks in the neutral zone paid off. Nolan Foote created the turnover and a quick entry into the Carolinaâ€s zone, was able to hit the trailer Sandis Vilmanis who got the puck through the short side with a back hand at 9:48 of the second.

Shortly after the second television timeout, 6â€8†goaltender Cooper Black stepped into the crease to play the remainder of the game.

Carolinaâ€s Bradly Nadeau looked to have scored to make it 2-1, but a challenge for offside by the Panthers was successful to keep it at a two-goal lead.

Minutes later, Carolina did find the back of the net off the draw. Former Panther Givani Smith got behind the Panthers defense and beat Cooper Black past the blocker at 14:40 of the second frame.

Carolina had two shots through most of the second, yet were opportunistic a second time in the period. Defenseman Alexander Nikishinâ€s shot from the right circle and a screen made it past Black to tie it at two at 17:02.

After 40 minutes, Anderson was taken out for 2021 6th round German goaltender Nikita Quapp to play the remaining 20 minutes.

The Panthers continued to tilt the ice in their direction, and it paid off.

Catching the Hurricanes on a line change, Brett Chorskie was able to skate in a straight line after Ben Harpurâ€s chipped it to him off the boards in the neutral zone, and then got the puck past the glove of Quapp as the Panthers retook the lead at 8:36 of the third.

The back-and-forth continued as Cooper Black was once again beat on the blocker side, this time it was Justin Robidas less than 4 minutes later to tie it at three.

This game wouldnâ€t be set in regulation, but the Cats would start overtime on the power play as Carolina was called for delay of game with 23 seconds left in regulation.

Studnicka already had one goal on the night, and he added another in overtime with a chance off the rebound while parked at the net front on the man advantage.

Florida wins both games of the home-and-home against Carolina, and take their record to 2-2 for the preseason.

No time to waste as the Panthers will travel 250 miles to Central Florida to play a game in less than 24 hours. Florida will play a neutral site game from the Kia Center against state rival Tampa Bay on Tuesday night, where the Panthers are expected to dress a younger lineup.

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Former Florida Panthers goaltender James Reimer is returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs on a professional tryout.

Reimer’s NHL career began in Toronto, with the Leafs selecting him in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL Draft. Now 37 years old, Reimer played six seasons with the Leafs, recording a .914 save percentage and a 2.83 goals-against average in 207 games.

“I haven’t had that much fun in a long time. And so it’s been a special experience to be back here,” Reimer said one day after signing with the Leafs on a professional tryout. “A lot of memories and a lot of good emotions. And really enjoying the moment and just enjoying being back. It’s a lot of fun.”

Reimer was brought in on a PTO because Joseph Woll is away from the team for personal reasons. The Leafs have not revealed why he needed to leave and have asked to respect his privacy.

‘I Haven’t Had That Much Fun In A Long Time’: James Reimer Reflects On First Maple Leafs Practice in 9 Years And When He May Play
James Reimer stepped onto the ice in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey for the first time in over nine years on Saturday and the veteran NHL goaltender couldn’t stop smiling from ear-to-ear.

The Panthers are the team Reimer has played the second most games with, recording a .912 SP and 2.85 GAA in 123 games.

Reimer spent three seasons with the Panthers from 2016 to 2019. Reimer has bounced around the NHL quite a bit as a veteran, spending time with the Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks and the Buffalo Sabres.

It’s unknown if the Leafs will sign Reimer to an NHL contract, but it’s a feel-good story for both Reimer and the Leafs fans.

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