Both clubs enter the game with several stars sidelined and a rookie poised for his first NHL appearance.
Key points
- Both squads will start the game without several key players due to injuries, affecting depth on both wings and the blue line.
- Cooper Black may make his NHL debut for the Panthers, highlighting the team's reliance on recent AHL call‑ups.
- The Penguins have recalled two prospects, Rutger McGroarty and Chase Pietila, from their AHL affiliate for added depth.
The Florida Panthers (5‑3‑2) are expected to line up with Brady Tkachuk and Sam Bennett leading the front line, while Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe anchor the second unit. The defense will feature Aaron Ekblad, Niko Mikkola and Dmitry Kulikov, with Cooper Black likely making his NHL debut after a strong showing in Ottawa.
The Pittsburgh Penguins (3‑6‑1) will start Tommy Novak alongside Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell up front, with Evgeni Malkin and Andrei Kuzmenko supporting the middle. Defensively, Erik Karlsson and Ilya Solovyov are slated to start, while Kris Letang remains on the roster.
Florida Panthers projected roster
Both teams are dealing with notable absences. The Panthers list goaltender Jacob Markstrom (upper‑body), forward Aleksander Barkov (knee) and Brad Marchand (knee) as injured, while the Penguins are without Justin Brazeau (lower‑body), Ryan Graves (knee) and several forwards dealing with lower‑body issues, including Bryan Rust.
A unique storyline involves Cooper Black, who could debut for Florida after posting a 25‑save performance in a recent loss to Ottawa. Meanwhile, the Penguins’ forward Ben Kindel missed the flight after a vasovagal episode and is expected to return to practice next week, according to GM Kyle Dubas.
Reader questions
Who is expected to start as goaltender for the Panthers?
The Panthers have not listed a starter, but backup goaltender Black is likely to start after his recent performance.
Why is Ben Kindel unavailable for the Penguins?
Kindel experienced a vasovagal episode shortly after the team’s plane left Salt Lake City, causing temporary loss of consciousness.
When might Bryan Rust return to the lineup?
Rust will be re‑evaluated in about six weeks following a lower‑body injury sustained in a recent game.
Source: nhl.com