Ekblad returns as Panthers host injury-hit Wild in home opener
Florida gets Aaron Ekblad back after a two-game absence, while Minnesota could give Rieger Lorenz his NHL debut.
Aaron Ekblad returns to the Florida Panthers lineup Saturday as they host the Minnesota Wild in their home opener at Amerant Bank Arena. The defenceman missed Florida's previous two games. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. ET.
The Panthers will still be without captain Aleksander Barkov for six to eight weeks and Brad Marchand for six weeks because of lower-body injuries. Lars Eller is skating between Brady Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart in Marchand's absence. Jacob Markstrom will start in goal for Florida.
Minnesota has its own lineup concerns. Brock Faber remains sidelined with a skull fracture, Nick Foligno is on injured reserve and Filip Gustavsson is on long-term injured reserve. Marcus Foligno did not practise Friday, and the Wild did not hold a morning skate Saturday. Jesper Wallstedt is expected to start in goal.
Forward Rieger Lorenz could make his NHL debut. He was recalled from Iowa on Friday.
Florida enters at 2-0-2 after opening the season on the road. Minnesota is 2-1-1 following Thursday's 3-2 loss at Tampa Bay.
The Panthers have won their past seven home openers. Matthew Tkachuk said returning to their home crowd brings an energy boost after the road trip.
