Florida is now 3-2-0 during the preseason with three games remaining, all against Tampa Bay
The Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators played a fun and exciting preseason game in front of a packed house at Centre 200 in Sydney, Nova Scotia on Sunday afternoon.
It was one of the 2023 Kraft Hockeyville matchups.
Florida got a pair of goals from 21-year-old center Anton Lundell, but ultimately fell to the Senators by a final score of 4-2.
Drake Batherson had a huge game for Ottawa, scoring a goal and assisting on all three of the Sens other tallies.
Lundell, meanwhile, scored on a pair of snipes.
The first goal saw the young Finn drive the net while carrying the puck on an odd man rush before shooting high blocker on Ottawa goalie Anton Forsberg to give Florida 1-0 lead.
Prospect Mackie Samoskevich assisted on both of Lundell’s goal, giving him six points (3-3-6) through his first four NHL preseason games.
Here are some thoughts and observations from Sunday’s game:
Justin Sourdif has been very consistent throughout camp and the preseason, displaying lots of speed and good puck skills. He was confident enough to try a shot with his stick between his legs, a move Matthew Tkachuk has mastered.
It’s clear Lundell is playing with more physicality this season, and overall appears to be more aggressive both with and without the puck. He could be poised for a big breakout season.
Samoskevich is doing everything he can to earn an Opening Night roster spot with Florida. If he makes the team, it won't be just to play eight minutes a game on the fourth line. He'd be taking the spot of someone currently considered a top nine player. It will be interesting to see how long he remains in camp and how serious this situation gets. Stay tuned.
Spencer Knight still looked very sharp and comfortable in Florida’s net, making quick and smooth movements.
Defenseman Evan Nause did a good job of getting pucks on net, finishing with three shots. You can see he’s working on his footwork and transition game as well.
Size remains a concern for defenseman Mike Benning, but he continues to show off high-end puck skills.
Forward Rasmus Asplund was very active and noticeable on the ice. He showed some good offensive instincts.