The Florida Panthers are back home and riding high, looking to keep the momentum rolling as they host the Utah Mammoth tonight at Amerant Bank Arena. With a three-game win streak in their back pocket and a chance to sweep the season series against Utah, the Panthers are heating up at just the right time.
Florida is fresh off a dominant 5-1 win in Chicago that capped a perfect three-game road trip. The victory wasn’t just another two points-it was a showcase of depth, confidence, and timely contributions from across the lineup.
Tobias Björnfot had a breakout night, netting the first multi-goal game of his NHL career. Mackie Samoskevich snapped a lengthy scoring drought, reminding everyone of the offensive upside that made him a top prospect.
Carter Verhaeghe added a highlight-reel goal, and Sam Reinhart sealed the deal with an empty-netter.
In net, Daniil Tarasov quietly continued his strong stretch, stopping 19 of 20 shots to earn his fourth straight win. His steady presence between the pipes has been a key part of Florida’s recent surge-and with the Panthers sitting just four points out of a playoff spot, every save, every win, carries added weight.
On the other side, Utah comes in licking its wounds after a 2-0 shutout loss to Tampa Bay last night. The Mammoth couldn’t crack Andrei Vasilevskiy, despite a 27-save effort from Karel Vejmelka. That loss snapped a five-game winning streak for Utah, a team that’s been one of the more consistent performers in the Western Conference this season.
Captain Clayton Keller continues to drive the offense, leading the Mammoth in both assists (34) and total points (50). He’s the engine of Utah’s attack and will be the focal point for Florida’s defense tonight.
This one sets up as a clash between two teams with playoff aspirations and something to prove. Florida’s push to climb into postseason position continues, and Utah, holding onto the first wild card in the West, won’t want to let that grip slip.
Puck drops tonight in Sunrise, and if Florida keeps playing the way they have-getting contributions up and down the lineup and locking things down in goal-they’ll be tough to beat.