The Florida Panthers begin a four-game West Coast road trip against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night at Honda Center. The Panthers, holding a 6-5-1 record, seek revenge after a 3-2 shootout loss to the Ducks on Oct. 28. Anaheim enters with momentum, winners of three straight and five of their last six games.
The Florida Panthers (6-5-1) face the Anaheim Ducks (7-3-1) in their second and final matchup of the season, set for 10 p.m. ET at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Anaheim claimed the first meeting 3-2 in a shootout on Oct. 28, where Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal made 31 saves on 33 shots. Dostal is expected to start again for the home team.
Florida arrives off a 4-3 shootout victory over the Dallas Stars on Saturday, where Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 19 shots, including five in overtime. Bobrovsky, who will start in net for the Panthers, holds an 11-6-1 record with a .917 save percentage in 19 career games against Anaheim.
Brad Marchand leads Florida with 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) in 11 games, including six points (3G, 3A) over his last four. Sam Reinhart notched his 300th career goal in the Stars win, extending his goal streak to four games with four goals and 18 shots during that span. Coach Paul Maurice praised Reinhart's chemistry on the line: "I think Evan Rodrigues plays a certain way that's more akin to (Aleksander) Barkov, there's more give and go, and Sam can read off that play."
Anton Lundell highlighted Marchand's impact: "Brings energy, brings positivity in the locker room, and always has a smile on his face."
The Ducks boast strong form, defeating the New Jersey Devils 4-1 in their latest game. Leo Carlsson leads Anaheim with 16 points (5G, 11A), including points in six straight games and an 11th assist that ranks sixth in the NHL. Maurice noted Carlsson's growth: "Just what a year can do for a young man. Little bit stronger, little bit faster, and a little bit more experience."
A.J. Greer emphasized defensive focus against Anaheim: "They move well in every zone, so being able to shut them down quick and be on top of them as soon as they get the puck."
The Panthers finished their homestand 2-1-1, surrendering just four goals at 5-on-5 while posting a league-best 67.33 expected goals-for percentage in that span. Projected Panthers lines include Eetu Luostarinen-Anton Lundell-Brad Marchand up top and Gustav Forsling-Aaron Ekblad on defense.