FLORIDA PANTHERS vs. DETROIT RED WINGS
MARCH 30, 2021
BB&T Center – Sunrise, Fla.
| FLORIDA PANTHERS | DETROIT RED WINGS |
| 4 | 1 |
- The Panthers improved to 23-9-4 with victories in each of their past three games. The Cats have won four of their past five games at BB&T Center, and are the third NHL team to reach the 50-point mark this season.
- Florida reached the 50-point mark in their 36th game of the season, the second-fewest games required to reach 50 points in franchise history (34 GP in 1995-96).
- With the win, Florida improved to 5-2-0 vs. DET this season and 12-2-1 in their past 15 matchups against the Red Wings.
- Carter Verhaeghe recorded two goals, his third multi-goal game of the season. He has amassed five goals (5-1-6) over his past three games.
- Verhaeghe has scored 15 even-strength goals this season, tied for the league lead. He registered a personal season-high six shots on goal tonight.
- Verhaeghe ranks second in goals (17) and points (30) among players with a new team in 2020-21 (per NHL PR).
- Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 35 of 36 DET shots (.972 save percentage) and improved his career record vs. DET to 18-6-1.
- Jonathan Huberdeau scored his 14th goal of the season 17 seconds into the first period, the fastest goal by a Panther start a game this season.
- With the goal,Huberdeau extended his point streak to three games (3-2-5). He led FLA with 23:54 TOI tonight.
- Brett Connolly tallied his 100th NHL goal.
- Owen Tippett notched an assist, extending his point streak to three games (1-2-3).
- Anthony Duclair posted an assist, extending his point streak to two games (1-1-2). He did not return for the third period, leaving the game with an upper body injury.
- Gustav Forsling produced an assist and led FLA’s defensemen with 21:27 TOI.
- Radko Gudas registered four hits and led FLA with three blocked shots.
- Florida out-hit DET 29-26, led by Eetu Luostarinen (5).
PANTHERS POSTGAME QUOTES – MARCH 30, 2021
Head Coach Joel Quenneville
“We did what we were hoping for. Had a great start, lots of pace. Good puck movement, everybody involved in the flow.”
“Some really good things happened early in the game. Bob [goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky] had some big saves on the penalty kill, he was excellent all game long.”
“He [forward Carter Verhaeghe] drives pace in the game. You’ve got to appreciate that he does find a way to get the puck and he does have speed. Great play with Duke [forward Anthony Duclair] on the rush. I just think he really does add a lot of dimensions to our team and the line that he plays on because he has purpose and speed.”
Forward Carter Verhaeghe
“The team has been doing well. We’re on a three-game winning streak now after a three-game losing streak, so it shows the resiliency of our team.”
“Other guys have been stepping up. Cookie [forward Noel Acciari] has been unreal stepping in there and he makes great plays, hard on the forecheck…He’s an important guy on our team and he’s stepped up huge.”
“Everyone’s playing more roles, guys that haven’t been playing are playing now and getting opportunity. It kind of adds a little more excitement to the lines…I think guys have done a great job rolling with it.”
Forward Brett Connolly
“It’s good to see the guys step up after losing a key player, guys filling in and playing a really good hockey game tonight.”
“The team is winning, the team is playing great. I love this group, I love the guys here. Down the stretch everybody needs to step up and for myself, I feel like I can help out and if I can really get going here and play the way I know I could play, I can help the team.”
“He [forward Noel Acciari] just does the right things all the time on the ice. He’s one of those guys who everybody loves. It’s been awesome to play with him and get to know him over the last couple of years.”
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky
“We’re missing a few key guys, but I think it’s also opened up the opportunity for other guys to player a bigger role, bigger minutes and earn their spot in the lineup.”
“It’s some adversity for us to overcome, to get together and be strong. I thought the guys did a great job tonight again. We had a great start, up 3-0. Then we had some good composure and played our game. It’s a great win.”
“It’s great to be there, it’s great to help my teammates and if they need me I’m always there for them.”
