Florida Panthers vs Arizona Coyotes Picks and Predictions March 28th 2025

Marchand Nears Panthers Debut in Home Clash vs. Utah

Brad Marchand may finally make his highly anticipated debut for the Florida Panthers on Friday night when they host the Utah Hockey Club in Sunrise. The veteran winger has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since being acquired from the Boston Bruins earlier this month.

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Panthers May Get Boost From Marchand

Marchand, who spent 16 seasons with Boston and served as its captain, was traded to Florida on March 7 in exchange for a conditional 2027 second-round draft pick. After practicing on the second line for the second straight day Thursday, Marchand appears close to returning.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice confirmed that a final decision on Marchand’s status will come after the team’s morning skate.

“He’s dying to get into the game,” Maurice said. “He’s part of the group and he’s settled in socially — now it’s about getting him on the ice.”

Marchand brings 21 goals and 26 assists this season to a Florida squad sitting at 43-25-3 (89 points), tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning for second in the Atlantic Division and just one point behind the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Florida last played on Sunday, edging the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 in a shootout. A victory Friday would mark their third in four games.

Utah Reeling After Blowout Loss in Tampa

The Utah Hockey Club (32-29-11, 75 points) is trying to stay afloat in the Western Conference wild-card race, but Thursday’s 8-0 loss to Tampa Bay raised serious concerns. The team allowed two goals in the opening 4:20 and surrendered four more in the second period alone.

Goalie Karel Vejmelka was pulled after allowing four goals on 11 shots, and backup Jaxson Stauber fared no better, giving up four more on 10 shots.

“That was terrible, from the start to the finish,” defenseman Mikhail Sergachev said. “We didn’t play the style of game we wanted, and it showed.”

Sergachev, who returned to Tampa Bay for the first time since being traded last offseason, was honored with a video tribute but couldn’t enjoy the moment amid the team’s poor showing.

Utah coach Andre Tourigny emphasized urgency heading into Friday’s game: “We all have to look ourselves in the mirror. The good thing is we’re playing tomorrow.”

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