Panthers’ Injury Updates: Marchand Out, Bennett In, Lundell a Game-Time Call as Florida Looks to Snap Skid
The Florida Panthers are still searching for answers as they try to halt a four-game losing streak, and they’ll have to do it-at least for one more night-without one of their top offensive weapons.
Head coach Paul Maurice confirmed that veteran forward Brad Marchand will not be in the lineup Wednesday night when the Panthers square off against the Boston Bruins. Marchand remains sidelined after suffering an undisclosed injury in a Jan. 29 matchup against the St.
Louis Blues. Since his exit, Florida has dropped back-to-back games in regulation to the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres, a stretch that’s only deepened their midseason struggles.
Even with the missed time, Marchand’s impact on the scoresheet is undeniable. Through 45 games, the Halifax native has tallied 25 goals and 25 assists-good for 50 points-putting him second on the team in scoring behind Sam Reinhart. His absence has left a noticeable gap in the Panthers’ offensive rhythm, especially during a stretch when every point is starting to feel like a must-have.
There is, however, some good news on the injury front. Forward Sam Bennett is expected to return to the lineup after leaving Monday’s game against Buffalo with an upper-body injury.
Bennett logged just over five minutes of ice time before exiting, but the issue appears to be minor. That was further confirmed when Hockey Canada announced he’d be stepping in for Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli on the national team’s Olympic roster.
Bennett, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, has been a steady contributor this season. In 55 games, he’s notched 19 goals and 23 assists for 42 points, tying him with Carter Verhaeghe for third on the team in scoring. His return brings some much-needed grit and scoring touch back to a Panthers lineup that’s been out of sync lately.
As for Anton Lundell, his status remains up in the air. The Finnish center is a game-time decision heading into Wednesday’s contest.
In 52 appearances this season, Lundell has chipped in with 15 goals and 21 assists, totaling 36 points. His two-way play and ability to drive possession make him a key piece, especially in tight-checking games like the one expected against Boston.
The Panthers come into this matchup with a 28-24-3 record, sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and trailing the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference by nine points. With just one game remaining before the Olympic break-a Thursday showdown with the Lightning-Florida is running out of runway to get back on track.
The hope is that Bennett’s return and a potential Lundell appearance can help stabilize a roster that’s been hit hard by injuries and inconsistency. But without Marchand, the Panthers will need a collective effort to snap their skid and keep their playoff hopes from slipping further out of reach.