Tarasenko told THN Florida he is "really happy to be part of" what the Panthers are doing this season
Tarasenko told THN Florida he is "really happy to be part of" what the Panthers are doing this season
It’s been about two weeks since the Florida Panthers made a big pre-NHL Trade Deadline splash and acquired Vladimir Tarasenko from the Ottawa Senators.
After reaching the Stanley Cup Final last season, the Panthers have maintained their spot at or near the top of the NHL standings for much of the past few months.
Florida is poised to make another run at the Final and is aiming to finish the job this time, so adding a player like Tarasenko to their already potent roster only increases their chances at hoisting the Stanley Cup in June…at least on paper.
The veteran forward checks off a lot of desired boxes.
High-end scoring ability? Yes.
Playoff experience? Plenty.
Willingness to play multiples roles and positions? Check.
Good locker room guy? Indeed.
Stanley Cup champion? Oh yeah.
“He's a good player, and he's a smart player, and he's going to fit in really well here,” said Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice. “We'll find a place for him where he can excel. I've got lots of confidence in that.
It was no secret that Tarasenko had a desire to play for the Panthers.
He wanted to push for a second Stanley Cup with a contending team, and he and his family have a home in Broward County and spend part of the offseason in South Florida.
Now, nearly a fortnight into his Panthers tenue, Tarasenko seems pleased with how things have gone so far.
“I really like the guys,” Tarasenko said. “I heard a lot of good things about how things are here. I knew a few guys from here before and it's a really good, close group of guys that took care of me in the beginning, helped me, and give me the warm welcome. It's been easy because of that. They have a really good culture inside the room and I’m really happy to be part of it."
THN Florida had a chance to sit down for a quick chat with Tarasenko at the Panthers new practice facility in Fort Lauderdale on Monday.
Here is what he had to say:
THN Florida: What drew you to the Florida Panthers?
Vladimir Tarasenko: It’s a deep team. There are a lot of a lot of good players, now we just need to find a way to play well and help a team win. We haven’t won our last two games, but I'm pretty sure we can play better, and this four days is good to regroup and learn from our mistakes and move on.
THN: Why did you consider them a Stanley Cup-caliber team?
VT: Especially after last year success, the guys have playoff experience. It’s one thing to talk about it and another thing is to feel it when you play. From my own experience, we went to the conference finals once with St. Louis in 2016. We didn’t win, but it helped us to get that experience, what it takes to play late rounds in the playoffs and how it is. I think there's a good habit now and yeah, obviously, our goal is to win the Cup.
THN: How has it been working with Paul Maurice so far?
VT: It's good. We’ve had a few conversations. I feel like he’s a pretty honest guy. If you work hard and do whatever they ask, they appreciate that. They’ve helped me a lot with the systems, we’ve had a few meetings about it so now I feel more comfortable. You think less when you play and everything adjusts.
THN: Have you found the players to be just as helpful?
VT: Sometimes you come to a new team and you don't know anybody, and here everybody was smiling. Everybody asked if I had any questions or needed any help, that I can reach out.
THN: And your impressions on your teammates after going to battle with them a few times?
VT: There’s a lot of skilled guys on this team, but they’re also hard workers. The team plays a system I played in St. Louis for a long time, so I’m familiar with that. (He then glanced at the locker stall to his left) I sit next to Lundy (Anton Lundell) here, and we’re chatting every day. It’s been fun so far.
THN: How would you compare your desire to win a second Stanley Cup to going after your first one?
VT: Winning one (Stanley Cup) is good, but I think right after we did it, you’re just wishing to experience those emotions again. I don't think there's any words to describe how you feel when you reach and win the Cup. You're absolutely happy, this is ultimate prize, the biggest trophy in hockey. I feel like after winning one, you just want to win more.
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