Sawchyn set for preseason debut as Panthers host Lightning
Florida closes its exhibition schedule with a look at Sawchyn, Jack Devine and its goaltending options.
The Florida Panthers finish their preseason at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET. Florida is 2-0-1 and expects to use much of the lineup from Thursday's 5-3 win in Tampa Bay, according to the club's game preview.
Gracyn Sawchyn is set to make his preseason debut. The Panthers selected him in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft, and he had six goals and 17 assists in 35 games for the AHL's Charlotte Checkers last season. Jack Devine is expected to return to the lineup after recording an assist in Florida's 6-3 preseason-opening win over the Carolina Hurricanes.
Florida also plans another look at goaltender Akira Schmid, who stopped 12 of 13 shots in Tuesday's shootout loss to Carolina. Cooper Black, who made 14 saves against Tampa Bay on Thursday, could see time as well.
Head coach Paul Maurice said the final exhibition gives the staff another chance to learn about players competing for places on the roster.
