Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Florida Panthers are finding ways to win, leaning on chemistry, structure, and one scorching hot forward line.
Over the past 12 games, the trio of Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe, and Brad Marchand has combined for 44 points, carrying Florida through a stretch that has pushed them back into the thick of the Eastern Conference race. That group is expected to stay intact Friday night when the Panthers host the Carolina Hurricanes in Sunrise.
Florida enters the matchup having won six of its last seven games, including a tight 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday. Sergei Bobrovsky is expected back between the pipes after resting in that win. On the season, Bobrovsky owns a 14-8-1 record with a 2.80 goals-against average and three shutouts.
The Panthers are navigating injuries to star forwards Matthew Tkachuk and captain Aleksander Barkov, yet the defending back-to-back Stanley Cup champions continue to grind out results. Maurice said reinforcements are coming soon, but until then, wins are currency.
Verhaeghe embodies that mindset. He has scored 9 goals over his past 11 games and admitted Florida is comfortable playing low-event, tight contests. He acknowledged the standings are crowded, but stressed the focus remains on execution rather than scoreboard watching.
Bennett Verhaeghe Brad Marchand set Panthers tone
One concern from Wednesday was Evan Rodrigues leaving with a lower-body injury, though Maurice downplayed its severity. Florida cannot afford extended absences, but the group has shown it can absorb short-term disruptions.
Carolina arrives as a true measuring stick. The Hurricanes lead the Eastern Conference with 46 points and ride a five-game winning streak, allowing just 1.8 goals per game during that run. They deploy three goalies, led by rookie Brandon Bussi at 11-1-0 with a 2.05 goals-against average.
Florida eliminated Carolina in the conference finals in 2023 and again in 2025, ending Hurricanes seasons that otherwise felt destined for more. This time, Carolina arrives confident, deep, and structured under Rod Brind'Amour.
Florida wants to prove its recent surge is real. Against a disciplined Hurricanes team, the Panthers will need that Bennett line to stay hot and Bobrovsky to be steady.