Panthers bring resurgent power play into Canucks matchup
Florida opens a two-game homestand Thursday against a Vancouver team on a five-game losing streak, with the power play and Matthew Tkachuk both running hot.
The Florida Panthers host the Vancouver Canucks at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday, Oct. 15, with the game scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
Florida enters at 3-2-2 after a 7-3 win in Columbus on Tuesday. Vancouver is 2-6-0 and has lost five straight, most recently falling 3-2 to the New York Islanders.
The Panthers converted six of 10 power-play opportunities over their two-game road trip: twice in Buffalo and four times in Columbus. Sam Reinhart scored four goals across those games, including three on the power play.
Matthew Tkachuk has 10 points during a six-game scoring streak. He collected five assists against Columbus, setting up all three goals in his brother Brady Tkachuk’s hat trick.
Matthew Tkachuk said Florida expects an opponent eager to end its losing streak and needs to match that urgency at home.
Jacob Markstrom and Radko Gudas remain day to day. Markstrom joined the morning skate and Gudas skated afterward, the Panthers said. The club is targeting its Oct. 21 visit to Ottawa for their return, while allowing that either could be back sooner.
