After going 0-for-5 despite racking up 16 scoring chances against the Islanders, the power play was finally rewarded for the Panthers against the Sabres, going 2-for-6 on goals from Ekblad and Montour that extended Florida's advantage to 4-2 in the second period.
In just two games, the Panthers have already registered 30 scoring chances on the power play.
"The opportunities are certainly there," said Reinhart, who netted a team-best 16 goals on the power play in 2021-22. "We're reading, we're reacting off each other well and we're playing with pace. It was nice to get some results last night. Hopefully we can continue with that confidence."
Spreading out the offense, 12 different players have recorded at least one point for the Panthers thus far, including a team-high three (two goals, one assist) from Tkachuk. Hitting the ground running, the fiesty forward is just the sixth player to score in each of his first two games with Florida.
"He's around everything, that man," Maurice said of Tkachuk, who has been playing on a line with Sam Bennett and Rudolfs Balcers "He's involved, to say the least. That's his game. There's no show going on. That's just who he is. He's involved in every scrum, most of the hits, and a goal a game so far."
Also off to a perfect 2-0-0 start, the Bruins followed up a 5-2 win at the Washington Capitals on Wednesday with a 6-3 win over the Arizona Coyotes in their home opener on Saturday. Helping fill the void left by injured forward Brad Marchand, who underwent double hip arthroscopy and labral repair during the offseason, former AHL journeyman A.J. Greer shined against Arizona.
Named first star of the game, Greer, who has appeared in just 49 games in the NHL since turning pro in 2016-17, led the charge on offense with two goals and an assist. Also chipping in up front, Charlie Coyle, Nick Foligno, Pavel Zacha and Derek Forbort each touched the twine.
"I built my game up to a certain level where I've matured," Greer told BostonBruins.com. "I've understood what it means to play in those three zones, and to be reliable and to have success."
Not escaping the game against the Coyotes totally unscathed, the Bruins lost defenseman Brandon Carlo to an injury. On Sunday, Boston head coach Jim Montgomery announced that Carlo, who manned the blue line in 79 games in 2021-22, wouldn't be suiting up against the Panthers. As a corresponding move, Dan Renouf, who has 23 games of NHL experience, was recalled from AHL Providence.
"He's still not ready to play," Montgomery said of Carlo. "There's gonna be no rush."
Each producing a goal and three assists through the first two games of the season, David Krejci and David Pastrnak are tied for first on the Bruins with four points each. After that David-centric duo, Greer and Zacha are next with three points, while four other players have posted two points.
After Jeremy Swayman made 21 saves in Sunday's victory over Arizona, Linus Ullmark, who stopped 33 of 35 shots in the season opener against Washington, could get the nod in net for the Bruins. As for the Panthers, a starting goaltender should be announced by Maurice following morning skate.
