Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad speaks after Florida's 4-0 loss to Tampa Bay on Dec. 23. The NHL’s annual holiday break comes at a good time for the Florida Panthers. They boast a strong 10-3-1 mark over the past month, despite coming off a grueling travel schedule and having to endure both injuries and illnesses to several players. Lately, it’s been more of the latter, as several players are battling through what Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice has referred to as the flu. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNjE3OTM2NjIzMjQ4NDky/img_6014.jpg] That was one reason he pointed to when speaking after Florida’s 4-0 loss to Tampa Bay on Monday, coming on the back end of a back-to-back that the Cats started with a 4-2 win in Tampa. Now the Panthers will get a good long break to rest and recuperate while spending time with loved ones. Let’s get to the final pre-holiday takeaways: MUCH NEEDED TIME OFF For the past couple months now, the Panthers have had an extremely tough stretch. Between the travel that has taken them literally across the globe and back and a schedule that featured a big stack of playoff teams in a short span, Florida has had to face its fair share of adversity during the first almost-half of the season. Add to all that the fact that lately, several Panthers have been playing through an illness, combined with the physical toll of a hockey season and it just goes to show how much these guys need a few days off their feet. “We need these four days bad,” Maurice said. “Between guys with the flu and a bunch of guys that played not at 100%, we think most of them will get right back to good.” TKACHUK PICKS UP TEAMMATES With several players dealing with respective injuries and ailments, losing anyone from the lineup would’ve made a difficult situation that much worse. That nearly happened when Tkachuk with down with an apparent knee injury late in the first period after taking a knee-on-knee hit from Nikita Kucherov. The hit resulted in a game misconduct for Kucherov and required Tkachuk to need assistance getting off the ice and to the Panthers dressing room. Then, less than three minutes into the second period, Tkachuk emerged from the Cats locker room and hit the ice, ready to go. Speaking after the game, Maurice pointed out how much that meant to his teammates on a night like this. “’I’ve talked about Sam Reinhart and his intelligence, and Matthew's got a great emotional feel for the game about what needs to happen next,” Maurice said. “He just knew we needed him back. He wasn't at 100% obviously. I've seen him play with a broken collarbone. They tried to figure out a way (back then), they tried to figure out a way tonight. We appreciate that about him.” NEW FORWARDS FITTING IN At a time where Florida needs to milk every ounce of energy they can from the entire lineup, Maurice made a point to give some love to a couple of fourth line newbies. The rivalry between the Panthers and Lightning has grown into something truly fun for all involved over the past several seasons. No doubt, the fact that these teams have met in three of the past four playoffs have a lot to do with that. But it was a pair of new Panthers players, A.J. Greer and Tomas Nosek, who are showing out with their relentless effort and willingness to sacrifice for their teammates. “I like the new guys,” Maurice said. “A.J. Greer and Nosek been really, really good for us. A.J., there's no quit in that man. He had some miles on him tonight, too. Had to leave the bench a couple times and he kept coming out, kept battling. He fits right in, right at home. He's been a real pleasant surprise for us.” LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Panthers blanked by Johansson, Lightning in final game before holiday break [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-blanked-by-johansson-lightning-in-final-game-before-holiday-break] Matthew Tkachuk leaves game after hit on knee by Nikita Kucherov [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/matthew-tkachuk-leaves-game-after-hit-on-knee-by-nikita-kucherov] Panthers specials teams clinic propels them to 4-2 win over Tampa Bay [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-specials-teams-clinic-propels-them-to-4-2-win-over-tampa-bay] Panthers in Tampa to kick off holiday home and home with rival Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-in-tampa-to-kick-off-holiday-home-and-home-with-rival-lightning] Panthers Sasha Barkov shows off world class skills during incredible OT sequence [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/panthers-sasha-barkov-shows-off-world-class-skills-during-incredible-ot-sequence] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjQxMjA5NjI4NzMxMDIz/unnamed.jpg]
