EXAMPLE: Panthers aim to complete Global Series bracket of stars

TAMPERE – The Florida Panthers will look to win their season series with the Dallas Stars when the two clubs meet Saturday for Game 2 of the 2024 Global Series at Nokia Arena.

In Game 1 on Friday, Tampere native Aleksander Barkov led the charge in his hometown, scoring a team-high four points and helping the Panthers improve to 8-3-1 in the standings.

Two other Florida Finns – Anton Lundell and Niko Mikkola – also scored points.

“I can’t imagine being in their shoes and being in a scenario where I’m overseas and I come home and I play for my hometown,” forward Evan Rodrigues said. “So a big night for the team, a big night for them and hopefully we get another one tomorrow.”

Considered an “honorary Finn” in the locker room, Rodrigues made history in Game 1 when he lit the lamp just 28 seconds into the first period to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead over the Stars with the fastest goal ever scored in an NHL. game played outside North America.

“I’ll take it,” Rodrigues smiled when he heard about the unique record.

In a storybook moment, Barkov scored to double the lead to 2-0 later in the first period.

“This game is obviously an NHL regular season game, but for me it’s not just a regular season game,” said Barkov, who grew up only about a mile from downtown Tampere. “It was a great, great feeling for me to be able to come home to Finland and play here, especially in my hometown, bring my teammates here, drag my teammates here and then play and then score the goal. So I’m very happy.”

Lundell and Mackie Samoskevich filled the back of the net and also lit the lamp for the Panthers, while Sam Reinhart scored a pair of goals. His first of those two goals came on the penalty kick in the second period, giving him three short games in the competition.

Reinhart is starting the first season of his new eight-year contract with a bang, leading the Panthers and tied for second in the NHL with 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists). On each of his two goals against the Stars, the primary assist went to none other than Barkov.

“I definitely got into some pretty good positions and took advantage of that,” Reinhart said. “I was able to create some chemistry with Barky in different areas of the game.”

Aaron Ekblad also shone brightly in the win, providing three assists from the blue line.

After making 32 saves – including 10 dangerous stops, according to NaturalStatTrick.com – in Game 1, Sergei Bobrovsky will likely get a breather in the second half of the back-to-back. In his place, Spencer Knight, who went 2-1-0 this season, would be in line to get the start.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice is expected to provide lineup details at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Despite coming away empty-handed, the Stars looked very strong for a long time in Game 1. After collapsing by a 24-7 margin on 5-on-5 shot attempts in the first period, they responded by beating the Panthers 44- 23 ahead. in shot attempts in the second and third.

In all situations they collected 19 dangerous shot attempts in the defeat.

Tyler Seguin, Esa Lindell, Mavrik Bourque and Jamie Benn all found the back of the net in the defeat, with the final two goals coming in the final five minutes of what was a blowout.

After backing up Jake Oettinger, who gave up six goals on 28 shots in Game 1, Casey DeSmith is expected to start against the Panthers in Game 2. In three appearances this season, the 33-year-old veteran has posted a 2-1 mark . 0 record with a save percentage of .936.

“I think it was a good game to watch, ten goals,” Maurice said of the action in Game 1. “Neither coach is happy about that. There were probably ten more that were left unfinished. The Dallas Stars are incredibly skilled. I think they are the most experienced team in the League.”

With a score of 7-3-0, the Stars enter tonight’s game in third place in the Central Division.

If the Panthers can win Game 2, they will earn their second consecutive win of the season in Dallas.

They said it

“They saw seven incredible Finnish players play (on Friday). I think they are incredibly proud, as they should be, of their heritage.” – Paul Maurits

“It was probably very special for everyone, but especially for us Finns. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous earlier (Game 1). It was great to get the game going and forget about everything. To also be able to win was a very cool day.” – Anton Lundell

FIVE CATS STATISTICS

– Aleksander Barkov has recorded 28 points (16G, 12A) in 22 career games against Dallas.

– The Panthers have won each of their last six road games.

-Anton Lundell is on a four-game losing streak.

– Sam Bennett is on a six-game losing streak.

– Sam Reinhart has recorded at least one point in 10 of 12 games this season.

PROJECTED LINEUP (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Forward

Evan Rodrigues – Aleksander Barkov – Sam Reinhart

Carter Verhaeghe – Sam Bennett – Matthew Tkachuk

Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Jesper Boqvist

AJ Greer – Tomas Nosek – Mackie Samoskevich

Defenders

Gustav Forsling – Aaron Ekblad

Niko Mikkola – Dmitri Kulikov

Nate Schmidt – Uvis Balinskis

Goalkeepers

Spencer Knight

Sergei Bobrovsky

RECENT TRANSACTIONS:

– November 1: F Patrick Giles on loan to AHL Charlotte

– October 25: Sung F Hunter St. Martin to an entry-level contract

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN

When: Saturday, November 2 at 12pm ET

Where: Nokia Arena – Tampere, Finland

TV and streaming: Panthers+, WSFL-TV, WHDT, WFTX, NHL Network (out of market)

Radio: 96.5 WPOW-FM HD2 (Dade/Broward); 1230 WBZT-AM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Keys); 101.7 WCZR (Treasure Coast); Panthers App; SiriusXM Channel 91 / App and Streaming 931

Cats on tap: Click to view participating bars and restaurants