Now, Samoskevich is not only a regular for the Panthers as they attempt to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, he’s a key cog in what they do in his rookie season. He’s playing top-six minutes on Florida’s second line with center Sam Bennett and, as of Monday, began receiving playing time on the Panthers’ top power-play unit.

The Florida Panthers have to love what they see in Mackie Samoskevich lately. Well, all season, actually. Since moving him to the top power-play unit, Samoskevich has unleashed what the Panthers have been anticipating.

Samoskevich notched a power-play assist, took two shots on net and had five hits in Monday's 2-1 win against the Lightning. Samoskevich made the primary pass to linemate Aleksander Barkov on a power-play tally in the second period.

Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 23 shots for his 47th career shutout, Jonah Gadjovich and Evan Rodrigues got second-period goals, and the Florida Panthers beat the Calgary Flames 3-0.

Sasha Barkov added an empty-net goal, giving him a three-point night and Florida a fifth straight win. On to the Sabres. Sergei Bobrovsky finished with 16 saves, earning his fourth shutout of the season.

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) on Sunday due to a groin injury. He has missed the last four games after being injured during the 4 Nations Face-Off;

(AP) — Justin Sourdif scored his first NHL goal and the Florida Panthers beat the Nashville Predators 4-1 on Tuesday night. Sam Bennett had a goal, assist and fight for a Gordie Howe hat trick, and Gustav Forsling and Mackie Samoskevich also scored to ...