Panthers Face a Plethora of Options as Pending Barkov, Marchand Returns Near

Panthers find success without stars

Florida opened its fourth consecutive road back-to-back Saturday in St. Louis, where Keith Tkachuk was honored before the game following his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. His sons Matthew and Brady joined him for the ceremonial puck drop.

The Panthers took a 1-0 first-period lead on Brady Tkachuk’s 11th goal, assisted by Reinhart and Matthew, who recorded his 25th assist of the season. Lundell had also impressed in the previous game, scoring twice, including the winner in a 5-4 comeback victory over Detroit.

Maurice tests forward combinations

Against St. Louis, Lundell again centered a line with the Tkachuk brothers on the wings. Reinhart played between Carter Verhaeghe and Lars Eller, while Bennett centered the third line with Eetu Luostarinen and Sandis Vilmanis.

Verhaeghe entered Saturday’s game with 10 goals and 10 assists, and Eller led the team with a plus-10 rating. The combinations gave Maurice three lines with contributions at both ends of the ice.

Returns could alter the lineup

Maurice said he believes Barkov and Marchand could be back within two weeks. Their absence has led him to rotate combinations among his 12 forwards, but their return will force new choices.

Several roles remain uncertain

Maurice must decide whether to restore Barkov’s opening-night line and where Marchand fits. One possibility raised is Marchand with Bennett as his center; another is Lundell returning to his regular spot between Marchand and Luostarinen.

Eller could return to center on the fourth line, leaving a question about which depth forward would come out. Maurice has also said he does not want to use a line with both Tkachuk brothers and Bennett together, joking that they would be in the penalty box before play began.