Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad speaks after Florida's 5-3 win in New Jersey on March 5. Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad made some fairly significant team history on Tuesday night. Florida’ 5-3 win over the New Jersey Devils was cemented by a late empty-net goal that came off the stick of Sam Reinhart. Longtime Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad picked up the only assist on the goal. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNjE3OTM2NjIzMjQ4NDky/img_6014.jpg] Why is that noteworthy? The assist was the 230th of Ekblad’s career, giving him the Panthers franchise record for most assists by a defenseman. Ekblad moved past Robert Svehla, who played his last season with Florida in 2002 and left with 229 helpers under his belt. It seemed like an inevitable accomplishment, as the veteran defenseman already held the franchise records for most points (344) and goals (115) by a blueliner. “I have a lot of pride in the jersey and I like to think that I show that every single night,” Ekblad said Tuesday. Ekblad has spent his entire 10-year career with the Panthers after they selected him with first overall pick at the 2014 NHL Draft. His next game will be the 671st of his career, which will move him into a tie with Jonathan Huberdeau for second-most games played in franchise history. “It’s been a fun 10 years here now in Florida, and I love it,” he said. “It obviously feels great, but there’s a lot more to work on.” LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Cousins 2-goal game sparks Panthers win over New Jersey [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/cousins-2-goal-game-sparks-panthers-win-over-new-jersey] Three takeaways: Components to a strong road game, more Sasha Barkov appreciation [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/three-takeaways-components-to-a-strong-road-game-more-sasha-barkov-appreciation] Panthers end road trip in New Jersey looking to extend latest winning streak [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-end-road-trip-in-new-jersey-looking-to-extend-latest-winning-streak] Reinhart scores twice, Panthers remain red-hot with 4-2 win over Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/reinhart-scores-twice-panthers-remain-red-hot-with-4-2-win-over-rangers] WATCH: Aleksander Barkov shows off elite hand-eye coordination with unreal assist on Sam Reinhart goal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/watch-aleksander-barkov-shows-off-elite-hand-eye-coordination-with-unreal-assist-on-sam-reinhart-goal] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjQxMjA5NjI4NzMxMDIz/unnamed.jpg]
