Florida Panthers Star Expected To Miss One Week
The NHL season has begun, and the defending Stanley Cup Champions have been hot and cold to start the year. Florida is 1-2 entering Monday's game against the Boston Bruins, and now they're expected to be without one of their top stars.
The team reported on Monday that Matthew Tkachuk will be out of the lineup for a week due to illness.
Tkachuk has two assists through two games this year and was the team's second-leading point scorer last season.
The Florida Panthers Upcoming Schedule
Florida plays on Monday in Boston. The Panthers defeated the Bruins 6-4 on opening night. The team has a quick turnaround, playing on the road in Columbus on Tuesday night. The Blue Jackets have the rest advantage in this matchup, as they haven't played since Saturday.
The Panthers return to home ice on Thursday night to take on the Vancouver Canucks, and then host the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.
If Tkachuk can return in the one-week timetable, the two-time All-Star could return on Tuesday, October 22nd, when the Panthers face the Minnesota Wild.
Stanley Cup Odds
Florida has the fifth-best odds (+1300) to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions this season; only the Maple Leafs, Devils, Oilers, and Stars have better odds. The Panthers are also +650 to win the Eastern Conference and +300 to win the Atlantic Division.
For comparison, the Panthers were +1200 to win the Stanley Cup at the beginning of the 2023-24 season. Flordia is looking to become the first back-to-back Cup Champs since the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!