PREVIEW: Panthers aim to complete capture of Global Series stars

TAMPERE – The Florida Panthers will look to even their season series with the Dallas Stars when the two clubs meet in Game 2 of the 2024 Global Series at Nokia Arena on Saturday.

In Friday’s first game, Tampere, Finland native Alexander Barkov led his hometown attack with a team-high four points and helped the Panthers improve to 8-3-1 in the standings.

Two other Finns from Florida, Anton Lundell and Niko Mikkola, also scored points.

“I can’t imagine being in their shoes and being in a situation where I’m overseas and I come home and play in front of my hometown,” forward Evan Rodriguez said. “So, big night for the team, big night for them, and hopefully we’ll have another one tomorrow.”

Considered an “honorary Finn” in the locker room, Rodriguez made history in Game 1 when he lit the lamp just 28 seconds into the first period, giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead over the Stars and scoring the fastest goal ever. or scored in the NHL. a game played outside of North America.

“I’ll take it,” Rodriguez smiled when he was told about the unique record.

In a fairytale moment, Barkov scored to double the lead to 2-0 later in the first period.

“Obviously this game is a regular season NHL game, but for me it’s not just a regular season game,” said Barkov, who grew up just a mile from downtown Tampere. “For me to be able to come home to Finland and play here, especially in my hometown, bring my teammates here, drag my teammates here and then play and then obviously score a goal was an amazing, amazing feeling. So I’m really happy.”

After filling the net, Lundell and Maki Samoskiewicz also lit the lamp for the Panthers, while Sam Reinhart scored a pair of goals. His first of those two goals came on a penalty kick in the second period, giving him a league-high three shorthanded.

Off to a strong start in the first season of his new eight-year contract, Reinhart leads the Panthers and ranks second in the NHL with 19 points (9 goals, 10 assists). In each of his two goals against the Stars, the primary assist went to none other than Barkov.

“They definitely put me in a pretty good position and I took advantage of it,” Reinhart said. “In different areas of the game I was able to create chemistry with Barky.”

Aaron Ekblad, who also shined in the win, had three assists from the blue line.

After making 32 saves (including 10 high-danger stops, according to NaturalStatTrick.com) in Game 1, Sergei Bobrovsky will likely get some breathing room in the second half of the back-to-back. In his place, Spencer Knight, who is 2-1-0 this season, could start.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice is expected to provide roster details at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Despite coming away empty-handed, the Stars looked very strong for a long time in Game 1. After being outscored 24-7 on 5-on-5 shot attempts in the first period, they responded by leading the Panthers 44-23. on throw attempts in the second and third.

Across all situations, they totaled 19 high-danger shots in the loss.

Tyler Seguin, Esa Lindell, Mavrik Bourque and Jamie Benn scored in the loss, with the final two goals coming in the final five minutes of the rout.

Backing up Jake Ettinger, who allowed six goals on 28 shots in Game 1, Casey DeSmith is expected to start against the Panthers in Game 2. In three appearances this season, the 33-year-old veteran is 2-1-0 with a .936 save percentage.

“I thought it was a good game, 10 goals scored,” Maurice said of the action in the first game. “No coach is happy about this. There were probably 10 more that weren’t finished. The Dallas Stars are incredibly experienced. I think this is the most experienced team in the league.”

With a 7-3-0 record, the Stars enter tonight’s game in third place in the Central Division.

If the Panthers can win Game 2, they will earn their second straight win of the season over Dallas.

THEY SAID THIS

“They saw seven incredible Finnish players play (on Friday). I think they are incredibly proud of their heritage, as they should be.” — Paul Maurice

“It was probably a special event for everyone, but especially for us Finns. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous earlier (Game 1). To be able to start a game and forget about everything was amazing. Being able to get the win was a really cool day too.” — Anton Lundell

STATISTICS OF FIVE CATS

– Alexander Barkov has 28 points (16G, 12A) in 22 career games against Dallas.

– The Panthers have won each of their last six games on the road.

– Anton Lundell is on a four-game hitting streak.

– Sam Bennett is on a six-game hitting streak.

– Sam Reinhart has scored at least one point in 10 of 12 games this season.

FORECASTED COMPOSITION (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Forwards

Evan Rodriguez – Alexander Barkov – Sam Reinhart

Carter Verhaeghe – Sam Bennett – Matthew Tkachuk

Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Jesper Boqvist

AJ Greer – Tomas Nosek – Maki Samoskiewicz

defenders

Gustav Forsling – Aaron Ekblad

Niko Mikkola – Dmitry Kulikov

Nate Schmidt – Uvis Balinskis

Goalkeepers

Spencer Knight

Sergei Bobrovsky

LATEST DEALS:

– November 1: Defenseman Patrick Giles loaned to AHL Charlotte

– October 25: Signed F. Hunter St. Martin to his rookie contract.

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN

When: Saturday, November 2, 12:00 pm ET.

Where: Nokia Arena – Tampere, Finland

TV and Streaming: Panthers+, WSFL-TV, WHDT, WFTX, NHL Network (out of market)

Radio: 96.5 WPOW-FM HD2 (Dade/Broward); 12:30 PM WBZT-AM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Keys); 101.7 WCZR (Treasure Coast); Panthers app; SiriusXM Channel 91 / App and Streaming 931

Cats on tap: Click to view participating bars and restaurants