Panthers Eye Strong Finish to Grueling Road Trip-But Will Tkachuk Return in Time?
The Florida Panthers are wrapping up their longest road trip of the season on Saturday night, and the final stop could be a tone-setter for the weeks ahead. After a rollercoaster stretch that’s seen them swing from sluggish starts to spirited wins-and one humbling blowout-the Cats are hoping to head home with a .500 record on the trip. But standing in their way is a stingy Washington Capitals squad, and the Panthers may need a boost from some familiar faces to get the job done.
The trip began with a stumble-losses in Toronto and Montreal had the Panthers looking for answers early. But they found some footing with back-to-back wins in Ottawa and Buffalo, showing flashes of the kind of two-way hockey that’s made them a postseason threat in recent years.
Then came a four-day break, followed by a brutal reality check in Raleigh. Florida got steamrolled by the Hurricanes in an 8-1 loss that left little doubt: this team needs reinforcements.
Which brings us to the biggest question surrounding this group-when will the injured stars return?
Matthew Tkachuk has been inching closer to a comeback. The All-Star winger has ditched the non-contact jersey and been a full participant in recent practices.
That’s a clear sign he’s nearing game shape, but Head Coach Paul Maurice has said it’s all about how Tkachuk responds to the physical ramp-up. If his body feels right after a few days of contact, Saturday could be the day he makes his return.
Brad Marchand, meanwhile, had been listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. But on Friday, the veteran forward was moved to Injured Reserve as the team shuffled its 23-man roster to make room for Cole Schwindt. That move doesn’t necessarily mean Marchand is far from returning-players can be activated from IR at any time-but it does suggest the Panthers are still in wait-and-see mode.
From a roster management standpoint, Florida has some flexibility. Noah Gregor and Tobias Bjornfot have both cleared waivers previously, meaning they can be reassigned to AHL Charlotte without risk. Bjornfot, a defenseman, is more likely to stay up given the team’s blue line needs, but the option is there if the Panthers need to create space for a returning forward.
As of Friday morning’s skate, neither Gregor, Jack Studnicka, Bjornfot, nor Marchand were on the ice. That left the Panthers rolling with a lineup that could look similar to what they throw out in Washington-unless Tkachuk gets the green light.
Here’s how the lines and pairings are shaping up if Tkachuk does return:
Projected Forward Lines:
- Eetu Luostarinen - Anton Lundell - Sam Reinhart
- Carter Verhaeghe - Sam Bennett - Matthew Tkachuk
- Mackie Samoskevich - Evan Rodrigues - A.J.
Greer
- Jesper Boqvist - Cole Schwindt - Luke Kunin
Projected Defensive Pairings:
- Gustav Forsling - Aaron Ekblad
- Niko Mikkola - Uvis Balinskis
- Donovan Sebrango - Jeff Petry
Tkachuk’s potential return would be a massive lift. Not just for his scoring punch, but for the edge and energy he brings to the lineup.
His presence on the second line with Verhaeghe and Bennett would give the Panthers a more balanced attack and take pressure off the top unit. It also lets the bottom six settle into more defined roles, which Florida has struggled to establish during this stretch of injuries.
The Panthers have shown resilience on this trip, but Friday’s blowout loss to Carolina was a reminder of how thin the margin is when key players are missing. A strong showing in Washington, especially with Tkachuk back in the fold, could help reset the tone heading into a crucial stretch of the season.
One more stop. One more chance to get right. And maybe-just maybe-a chance to turn the page with a full-strength lineup.
Stay tuned.