Florida played three games last week, defeating New Jersey and Toronto but falling to Vancouver

The first full week of the Florida Panthers season brought plenty of news and topics to discuss.

THN Florida has been on top off anything and everything happening in and around the team, so let’s review what went down in Pantherland over the past several days.

Following back-to-back losses in Minnesota and Winnipeg to open the schedule, questions about team chemistry began popping up, as nearly half the players on Florida’s roster were not with the team last season.

That being said, one of those new players, Evan Rodrigues, has looked like a perfect fit with the Panthers so far.

The Cats ended their season opening three-game road trip Monday night in New Jersey. That night, rookie Justin Sourdif made his NHL debut and coach Paul Maurice moved into third place on the NHL’s all-time games coached list.

Oh, and the Panthers also beat the Devils for their first win of the season, a game in which we highlighted a great game by Sergei Bobrovsky and improving faceoff numbers by Eetu Luostarinen.

Eetu’s uptick in production as a centermen was the focus of the latest feature from THN's Armando Velez.

After the victory, video of Florida Captain Sasha Barkov went viral after he gave a phantom high five while coming off the ice, a nod to former teammate Radko Gudas. 

When the Panthers returned to South Florida, captain Sasha Barkov announced he would be continuing his partnership with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital while presenting its foundation with a check for nearly $100,000. This will be the fifth season that Barkov has committed to donate $1,600 for every goal he scores and $800 for each of his assists.

Florida loaned rookie Mackie Samoskevich to AHL Charlotte in order for him to get more playing time after he played in the Cats first two games.

After returning home, the Panthers got back to work knowing that while they were happy with their win over the Devils, it was clear there were areas they need to be better.

Center Anton Lundell received praise from his head coach after bouncing back from a tough first two games with a strong effort in New Jersey.

Maurice also shed some light on his plan for handling his young rookies, Samoskevich and Sourdif.

On Thursday night, the Panthers finally played in their home opener, hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky played a second-straight strong game, backstopping Florida to a 3-1 win.

Bob, Florida’s penalty kill and a strong showing from Kevin Stenlund were highlighted in THN’s three takeaways from the game.

At the home opener, the Panthers debuted a new, custom goal song.

Center Sam Bennett, who has yet to play in a regular season game after suffering a lower-body injury late in the preseason, is very close to getting into the Panthers lineup.

Florida hosted Vancouver on Saturday looking for a third straight win and to climb above .500 for the first time this year.

Sloppy play in their own end and struggles on special teams would lead to the Panthers losing 5-3.

Afterwards, THN highlighted the D-zone issues and Florida’s trouble winning crucial 1-on-1 battles, but on a positive note, the growing chemistry between Barkov, Rodrigues and Sam Reinhart. 

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