Florida Panthers vs Vancouver Canucks Picks and Predictions October 17th 2024

Sam Reinhart Leads Panthers’ Solid Start vs. Winless Canucks

The Florida Panthers are off to a strong start this season, and much of their early success can be attributed to the stellar play of center Sam Reinhart. As the Panthers prepare to return home to Sunrise for Thursday night’s matchup against the winless Vancouver Canucks, Reinhart’s performance has been a driving force in the team’s current form.

Florida just concluded a four-game road trip with a 2-2-0 record, but the team heads into Thursday’s contest riding the momentum of back-to-back wins. Reinhart has been red-hot during the early part of the season, contributing four goals and four assists for a total of eight points through the first five games. His productivity is even more impressive considering that the Panthers are missing some key players.

Reinhart Stepping Up in the Absence of Stars

With center Aleksander Barkov sidelined due to a lower-body injury and winger Matthew Tkachuk missing three consecutive games with an illness, Reinhart has been called upon to shoulder more responsibility for the Panthers. Last season, Barkov and Tkachuk combined for 49 goals and 119 assists, but with both players out, Reinhart has elevated his game to fill the void.

“I don’t think Sam has reached his peak, and he will continue to learn,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “He processes the game so well. Sam is one of the smartest players I’ve ever coached. He’s really intelligent with his linemates.”

Reinhart’s versatility has been crucial for Florida, as he’s not only leading the team in points but also contributing on the penalty kill. Two of his four goals this season have come while shorthanded, adding another layer to his all-around game. Last season, Reinhart was a force on the power play, leading the league with 27 power-play goals.

The Panthers have been dominant when Reinhart is on the ice during even-strength situations, holding a 31-19 advantage in scoring chances and a 6-1 edge in goals. His all-around play, including faceoff wins and defensive responsibility, has been pivotal for the Panthers’ success in these early games.

Florida’s Goaltending Situation

The Panthers will probably go to veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky for Thursday’s game. Bobrovsky, who has a 2-1-0 record this season, comes into the matchup with a 3.02 goals-against normal (GAA) and an .894 save rate. However his numbers are unobtrusive, Bobrovsky stays a dependable presence in the wrinkle. His reinforcement, Spencer Knight, acquired the victory in Florida’s 4-3 win over Columbus on Tuesday. Knight, who has a 3.56 GAA and .891 save rate, furnished the Panthers with a strong presentation to shut down out their excursion.

Canucks Searching for Their First Win

The Vancouver Canucks, on the other hand, have struggled out of the gate, losing their first three games of the season. They opened a four-game road trip with a 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. The Canucks fell behind 3-0 before Conor Garland’s power-play goal in the third period provided their lone tally.

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“We weren’t ready to play the first period,” Canucks coach Rick Tocchet said. “It was only 1-0, but I don’t think we wanted to battle. In the second and third periods, we had some chances that we didn’t bury.”

Garland’s goal, which came off a scramble where he jammed the puck past Tampa Bay’s goalie, reflected the Canucks’ missed opportunities throughout the game. “Our start — we just didn’t come out on time,” Garland said. “We put ourselves behind the eight ball. We should have had a goal late in the second period, and it would’ve been a different game.”

Despite their winless start, Vancouver will need to regroup quickly if they hope to get past a Panthers team that is riding high on recent successes. Garland and Brock Boeser lead the Canucks with two goals each, but more consistent offensive production will be needed to challenge Florida’s strong defensive structure.
Goaltending Woes for Vancouver

Vancouver has rotated between two goaltenders so far this season. Arturs Silovs, who has a 0-1-1 record with a 4.50 GAA and .830 save percentage, took the loss against Tampa Bay, giving up three goals on 26 shots. The Canucks’ other goalie, Kevin Lankinen, has posted a much better stat line in his single appearance, with a 1.85 GAA and .935 save percentage, though he has yet to secure a win. It remains to be seen who will start in net for Vancouver on Thursday.

A Look Ahead

As the Panthers get back for just their second game of the time in Dawn, they’ll expect to keep their series of wins alive while proceeding to depend on the fantastic play of Sam Reinhart. Vancouver, then again, will look to at long last get in the success segment as they proceed with their troublesome excursion.

Florida’s profundity will be tried as they oversee without a few key players, however in the event that Reinhart keeps up with his ongoing structure and the Panthers stay restrained protectively, they have areas of strength for an of getting one more victory against a striving Canucks group.