Q&A: Forsling talks playoffs, career-best season and Hornqvist

SUNRISE, Fla. -- After a breaking out last season, Gustav Forsling found another level in 2022-23, setting new career-highs in goals (13), assists (28), points (41), power play points (5), shots (209), games played (82) and average ice-time per game (23:26).
"He's huge for our team and for our organization," said Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov. "Every day, he's the hardest working guy. He leads by that. He's not the loudest guy, but when he works that hard you know you have to work ever harder. To have that type of guy in your room is incredible. He's even better on the ice, too."

Now in his third season in South Florida, the Swedish two-way defenseman has registered 95 points (28 goals, 67 assists) over 197 games in that span with a +77 plus/minus.
Following Florida's playoff clinch, I had a chance to speak to Forsling on the playoffs, the team clawing back into contention, and Patric Hornqvist's value in the locker room.
DARRAGH: On Tuesday, with Buffalo and Pittsburgh losing, the Panthers clinched a playoff spot. What were the emotions like for the team after seeing the scores and knowing now that you are in?
FORSLING: We were pumped. It is a great feeling to be in. We battled all year for this. Now we are just excited and ready to go. We feel like our game is coming together and that we are peaking at the right time.
DARRAGH: Have you ever been part of a team that's clinched a playoff spot in the final games of the season at any level and what does that process feel like from a player's perspective?
FORSLING: No [laughs]. Not this late, but it has been a lot of fun lately playing in these meaningful games.
DARRAGH: This season has been a roller coaster, but you guys stuck with it and clawed back. How does it feel to see that be rewarded with a spot in the playoffs?
FORSLING: It feels great. We've had a lot of injuries and tough road trips where we had to battle through, but the team stuck together, and it is paying off right now.
DARRAGH: You've been a big reason for the team's success this year and during this playoff push, with career highs in almost all categories. How do you feel you've evolved as a player this season?
FORSLING: I think I've had a good season. It has been a lot of fun playing top minutes, against the best players in the world every night, and I have just been very happy with everything.

DARRAGH: Your D-partner, Aaron Ekblad, has also been contributing big both offensively and defensively during this stretch (8 points in last 9 games). What's it been like playing with him, especially as of late?
FORSLING: It has been great playing with him. He is a great hockey player and makes it easy to play with.
DARRAGH: Your teammate Patric Hornqvist, a fellow Swede, was nominated this week for the Bill Masterton Trophy. How valuable has he been to the team and what has he meant to you during your time in Florida the last few years?
FORSLING: He has been nothing but unreal. He comes into the rink every day and is the hardest working player here still. He is a veteran that helps a lot of guys here and has a lot of guys looking up to him. We are very fortunate to have him.
DARRAGH: What can you say about the atmosphere of FLA Live Arena and the fans during this last stretch of games?
FORSLING: Our last few home games have felt like playoff games. It has been great and very loud. You can feel it. The fans are ready for the playoffs, too.