Cats Forecast: Big Games at FLA Live Arena

The Florida Panthers feel like their best hockey is still ahead of them.
Sitting at 13-12-4, the Panthers will have multiple opportunities to move up the standings in the Eastern Conference with three big games -- including two at home -- on the docket for this week.
After hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins at FLA Live Arena on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, they'll then travel to the Northeast to kick off a two-game road trip with a matchup against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on Saturday.
"We have to reset, regroup and get back to work," Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky said after Sunday's loss to the Seattle Kraken. "The biggest games are ahead of us, not behind us."
To see what's going on this week and beyond for the Panthers, continue reading below.

THE GAMES

Tuesday: Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m. ET
The Panthers will be looking for some payback when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets (10-15-2) at FLA Live Arena on Tuesday. In their first meeting this season back on Nov. 20, the Blue Jackets secured a 5-3 win over the Panthers in Columbus. Coming out on top in each of their last two games, the Blue Jackets enter this week on the heels of a 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Kings in which Johnny Gaudreau scored 40 seconds into overtime to seal the two points. First on the team in scoring, Gaudreau has racked up 31 points (10 goals, 21 assists). Far behind in second, Boone Jenner has produced 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists). Starting each of the last four games, Elvis Merzlikins has gone 4-7-0 with a .862 save percentage this season. For the Panthers, look for Eric Staal to keep on picking up points in this contest. Finding his way onto the scoresheet in five of the last six games, he's tallied one goal and five assists in that stretch.
TV & Streaming:Hulu, ESPN+
Radio: 560 WQAM (Dade/Broward); 1230 WBZT (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Keys); SiriusXM App & Streaming Channel 932; NHL App
Tickets:
Here
Thursday: Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET
The Panthers will look to slow down one of the NHL's hottest teams when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins (16-8-4) at FLA Live Arena on Thursday. Winning 12 of their last 16 games, the Penguins extended their winning streak to five games with a 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. Showing no signs of slowing down at 35 years old, Sidney Crosby leads Pittsburgh in goals (17), assists (21) and points (38). During the team's 16-game hot stretch, he's found the back of the net 11 times. Also chipping in up front, Jake Guentzel is second on the team in goals (13) and points (29), while Evgeni Malkin is third in points (28). Handling the majority of the work between the pipes, Tristan Jarry has posted a 12-3-3 record with a .919 save percentage. For the Panthers, it's safe to assume that Matthew Tkachuk will make some magic happen in this important matchup. With 13 multi-point performances already in his back pocket this season, he leads the Panthers in both assists (24) and points (37).
TV & Streaming: Bally Sports Florida, Bally Sports+, ESPN+
Radio:96.5 WPOW-FM HD-2 (Dade/Broward); 1230 WBZT (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Keys); SiriusXM App & Streaming Channel 932; NHL App
Tickets:
Here
Saturday: at New Jersey Devils, 7:30 p.m. ET
Set to meet twice in a three-game span, the Panthers will visit the New Jersey Devils (21-5-1) at Prudential Center on Saturday. Sitting atop the Metropolitan Division, the Devils have won 18 of their last 21 games, but enter this week on the heels of a 6-4 loss to the New York Islanders on Friday. During that 21-game run of success that began on Oct. 18, New Jersey has outscored the opposition 96-53. Jack Hughes leads the Devils in scoring with 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists), while Jesper Bratt is second with 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists). Not far behind, Nico Hischier is third with 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists). Acquired by New Jersey in the offseason, Vitek Vanecek has posted a 12-2-1 record with a .916 save percentage in the crease. For the Panthers, let's go with Sam Bennett as a player to have a big showing in this tilt. With 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) already this season, the hard-nosed forward posted a goal and two assists in three games against New Jersey in 2021-22.
TV & Streaming:Bally Sports Florida, Bally Sports+, ESPN+
Radio:TBD

COCA-COLA PINS

Coca-Cola pins are back!
With multiple pin releases planned throughout the 2022-23 season, fans can currently pick up a Matthew Tkachuk No. 19 jersey pin at concession stands at FLA Live Arena while supplies last.
To claim, fans must purchase two 20 oz bottles of Coke Zero Sugar.
Want to stay up to date on current pins? Click
here
.

STOCKING STUFFER

Still looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Well, look no further!
Until end of December, fans can purchase the new "Panthers January Stocking Stuffer" package that includes one ticket to six January home games at FLA Live Arena for $149.
Those six games include: Jan. 1 vs. NY Rangers, Jan. 3 vs. Arizona Coyotes, Jan. 14 vs. Vancouver Canucks, Jan. 21 vs. Minnesota Wild, Jan. 27 vs. LA Kings and Jan. 28 vs. Boston Bruins for $149.
Fans who purchase the package by Dec. 15 will also receive a ticket to the Feb. 9 game against the San Jose Sharks.
To purchase the "Panthers January Stocking Stuffer," click
HERE
.

HAT TRICK PACKAGES

Need a smaller ticket package?
Florida's mascots have you covered.
Right now, fans can choose between two special three-game "Hat Trick Packages" created by none other than the dynamic duo of Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Ratt.
Stanley's "Hat Trick" includes tickets to Jan. 28 vs. Boston Bruins, Feb. 20 vs. Anaheim Ducks and March 7 vs. Vegas Golden Knights, while Viktor's "Hat Trick" includes tickets to Jan. 27 vs. LA Kings, Feb. 6 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning and March 4 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins.
Fans who purchase either of these packages by Dec. 15, will also receive a ticket to the Jan. 3 game vs. Arizona Coyotes.
With packages starting $99, fans can purchase now by clicking
HERE
.

FOUNDATION GIFTS

Let's not forget that the holidays are also about giving back.
With proceeds benefitting the Florida Panthers Foundation, fans can now purchase Panthers mystery-signed holiday ornaments for $45 or regular holiday ornaments for $25.
Of course, special player-designed holiday cards are also available for purchase.
To peruse these items and more, visit
FlaPanthers.givesmart.com
.

PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT

Evan Nause has been steadily producing during his third season in the QMJHL.
Yet to go more than three games without finding the scoresheet, the 19-year-old ranks second among Quebec Remparts defensemen with 15 points (two goals, 13 assists) through 22 games.
This past summer, the Panthers inked Nause to a three-year, entry-level contract.
"The league is very offensive," Nause said of the QMJHL back in July. "There's a lot of talented players in it. The top-two lines are unbelievable. For me to try and shut those guys down every night, it's great for my defensive game, and great for my offensive game as well."
Originally selected by the Panthers in the second round (56th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Nause has amassed 83 points (14 goals, 69 assists) in 113 career games with Quebec in the QMJHL.

CATS CLIP OF THE WEEK

Even with 441 career goals already to his credit, his 443rd still looked like it felt amazing.
Check out Eric Staal's first goal with the Panthers in the clip below.

CATS IN THE COMMUNITY

TERRITORY TALK

Hear from Gustav Forsling in the latest episode of the Territory Talk podcast.

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