FLORIDA PANTHERS at NASHVILLE PREDATORS
MARCH 4, 2021
Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, Tenn.
| FLORIDA PANTHERS | NASHVILLE PREDATORS |
| 5 | 4 |
- The Panthers improved to 14-4-4 and 7-1-1 on the road, their best road record through nine road games in franchise history.
- FLA’s three-game win streak at Bridgestone Arena is their longest in franchise history (3-0-0 since Jan. 19, 2019).
- Aaron Ekblad scored two power-play goals and added two assists for a career-high four point performance (2-2-4). It was the second multi-goal game of his career and the first time he has scored two power-play goals in the same game, and the fifth time in Panthers franchise history that a defenseman has produced two power-play goals in one game (Robert Svehla, Brian Campbell, Sandis Ozolinsh and Bret Hedican). Ekblad and Hedican are the only two Panthers defensemen to score two PPGs in a road game.
- Ekblad’s power-play tallies were the 27th and 28th of his career, surpassing Robert Svehla (26) for most by a Panthers defenseman in franchise history.
- Ekblad’s four points matched the franchise record for points in a regular-season game by a defenseman. His seven goals leads all NHL defensemen this season.
- Mason Marchment scored his first NHL goal, extending his point streak to four games (1-3-4).
- Aleksander Barkov notched three assists, extending his point streak to four games (1-5-6). He has produced a team-best 13 points (4-9-13) through FLA’s nine road games.
- Jonathan Huberdeau scored his ninth goal of the season and added an assist (1-1-2). He has amassed 12 points (4-8-12) over FLA’s nine road contests.
- Carter Verhaeghe tallied his eighth goal of the season, extending his point streak to two games (1-1-2).
- Patric Hornqvist and Keith Yandle each notched an assist.
- Radko Gudas played in his 500th NHL game, registering three shots and leading FLA with four hits.
- Sergei Bobrovsky improved his record to 7-2-2.
- FLA registered 38 shots, their ninth consecutive game with at least 35 shots on goal.
PANTHERS POSTGAME QUOTES – MARCH 4, 2021
Head Coach Joel Quenneville
“I thought he [defenseman Aaron Ekblad] had a great game, did everything right at both ends. Terrific goal on the power play, put us in a really good spot. It was one of those nights where he had the magic touch.”
“I thought he [forward Mason Marchment] had a spectacular start to the game, he’s playing extremely well. The improvement in his game from training camp to playing with the (taxi) squad and getting a chance to play in the bigs, he does his thing.”
“I think a lot of parts of our game have been consistent, and whether we’re home or away that’s the best part of our team. We play the right way and give ourselves a chance and everybody’s contributed.”
Forward Mason Marchment
“(Scoring his first NHL goal) is a dream come true. It was a great pass by Eky [defenseman Aaron Ekblad], Cookie [forward Noel Acciari] drove wide and opened it right up for me. It was nice especially to get it on [NSH goaltender] Pekka Rinne, he’s such a good goalie.”
“I’m just trying to play my game. Q’s [Head Coach Joel Quenneville] had a lot of confidence in me. I’m just trying to battle for him and for the boys and play my game.”
Defenseman Radko Gudas
“(Reaching 500 NHL games) feels much sweeter with the W. For me, I just try to take it one game at a time. Playing in this league is a dream for every hockey player, so I’m fortunate enough to be part of a great group that make me a better player to last this long in the league.”
“He’s [defenseman Aaron Ekblad] really something on the ice. He’s been a treat to watch, he’s feeling it. I’m happy to be part of the team that he’s on.”
“It was huge (to win), especially after the last two games at home…It was crucial for us to come out strong today the way we did. I really liked our start…It’s really good to see the guys getting together and pulling through the tight games.”
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky
“As we go deeper into the season, every point, every game is so important. We just want to make sure to be back on the winning track, winning is fun. Our guys did a great job tonight.”
“Every moment is a big one. When you look back you can analyze here and there, but I felt great and it’s a big win for us.”
“You never know what’s going to happen in a game. You just have to stay focused and play your system, play your game.”
