Florida Panthers winger Mackie Samoskevich has struggled all season long to score goals, but a three-game goal streak could help the 23-year-old witness a change of fortune.
The Florida Panthers’ playoff chances may be all but finished, but don’t tell the players that just yet.
The Panthers have picked up two wins against the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins this week, both teams in the midst of a playoff race and seeding battle. They’ll have the opportunity to keep the good times rolling with their next four games featuring the Pittsburgh Penguins (twice), Montreal Canadiens, and the Senators.
One player leading the way is 23-year-old winger Mackie Samoskevich, who has notched goals in three consecutive games.
Samoskevich has scored nine goals and 26 points in 70 games this season, on pace to finish with fewer goals and points than he did during his rookie season, when he recorded 15 goals and 31 points in 72 games.
His assist numbers have improved, but his goal scoring has decreased, a topic we’ve talked about several times. Most of it can be attributed to poor shooting luck, as he is currently converting on just 6.2 percent of his shots on goal.
As discussed previously, Samoskevich is still getting to high-danger areas and firing more shots on goal, but whether it was poor luck or just bad shot placement, he just wasn’t finding the back of the net.
His struggles have been odd to comprehend. His shot has been elite since his time playing with the University of Michigan in the NCAA. His release is quick and heavy.
Against the New York Rangers, Samoskevich scored a pure luck goal. He broke his stick on a shooting attempt, and Rangers’ goaltender Igor Shesterkin misplayed it and knocked it into his own net.
That changed against the Senators, as Seth Jones found Samoskevich at the back door for a tap-in. Against the Bruins, Samoskevich stole the puck on the forecheck before ripping it into the top corner, demonstrating all the good things with his shot.
Although this mini hot streak may not have much impact on this season, it could help his confidence heading into the 2026-27 season, when the Panthers will be hoping to rebound.
Additionally, Samoskevich is a pending RFA with arbitration rights.
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