Florida Panthers line combinations confirmed vs Washington Capitals

This feels like one of those nights where the score matters less than the shape of the game.

Florida is trying to steady itself, reassert structure, and look like a team that expects results. The opponent is Washington, but the test is internal.

Paul Maurice confirmed Daniil Tarasov gets the start, with Sergei Bobrovsky backing up.

Tarasov is still only 26, drafted in 2017, and this is another chance to show he can give the group reliable minutes when the schedule tightens.

The forward lines lean into familiarity up top and experimentation below. Eetu Luostarinen stays with Anton Lundell and Sam Reinhart, a trio that can handle tough matchups and still drive play.

Carter Verhaeghe remains alongside Sam Bennett, with A.J. Greer adding forecheck muscle.

The bottom six is where tonight gets interesting. Mackie Samoskevich continues to earn looks higher in pace-driven roles, while Sandis Vilmanis gets another opportunity to show he belongs in NHL traffic.

These are minutes that matter when injuries squeeze the lineup.

On defense, Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad anchor things, as expected.

Niko Mikkola and Uvis Balinskis stay together, while Tobias Bjornfot draws in alongside Jeff Petry, a pairing that should be watched closely under pressure.

Florida Panthers lines vs Washington Capitals were shared earlier by Jameson Olive.

From a fan's perspective, this is about seeing calm again, fewer blown assignments, quicker exits, and goaltending that settles the bench instead of chasing the game.

Washington will try to turn neutral zone turnovers into quick strikes, so Florida's spacing and puck support matter more than highlight plays. Cleaner breakouts mean longer offensive zone shifts, which naturally protect Tarasov from volume and chaos.

A rebound game vs the Capitals tonight would set the table for a productive next week, both in the standings and in the room.

It also makes the eventual return of star players feel like reinforcement, not rescue.

This lineup does not scream desperation, and that is a good thing.

It looks like a group trying to reset habits, trust its layers, and grind its way back to its identity, one controlled shift at a time.