Mackie Samoskevich is now a possibility for Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Wild. The Florida Panthers winger suffered a laceration, but he was back at practice today.
Mackie Samoskevich was back on the ice for the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, rejoining the practice group.
The 23-year-old has missed the previous two games after suffering a laceration against the Edmonton Oilers last Thursday. Coach Paul Maurice had given Samoskevich a 7-10 day timeline, but it appears the skilled winger is feeling better and is “possible” for Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Wild.
As for his availability for tomorrow’s game, Maurice is leaving it in the hands of the player. If Samoskevich feels good and believes he is ready to play, he’ll be in the lineup.
With the Panthers’ place in the standings, they can be patient with Samoskevich, as there is no need to rush him back.
On the season, Samoskevich has notched six goals and 23 points in 66 games. The Newtown, Connecticut native is averaging a career-high 14:15 of ice time this season, but his shooting percentage sits at just 4.3 percent, and it’s the main reason why his goal-scoring numbers are so down.
Despite that, Samoskevich has shown positive signs in his development and still appears to be an important part of the Panthers’ future.
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