CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. -When it comes to evaluating players, two games are better than one.
After opening training camp with some up-tempo practices, the Florida Panthers will kick off their preseason slate with a doubleheader against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Monday.
A tradition since 2011-12 between the Panthers and Predators, the annual preseason double dip will give Panthers head coach Paul Maurice a chance to see 40 of the 56 players in Florida's camp in action.
NOTEBOOK: Doubleheader on deck; Staal still hungry
"I really like it because it takes out of the coach's hands the idea of playing all your guys," Maurice said following Sunday's practice at the Panthers IceDen. "If you've got just one game, you load it up with older guys because those are the ones you're most concerned with. A doubleheader forces you to play 40 guys. That's a good thing for the organization and a good thing for the young players."
Game 1 of the doubleheader will get underway at 4:00 p.m. ET, while Game 2 is at 8 p.m. ET.
With every player in camp traveling to the Music City - except for those that are injured - Maurice said he plans to deploy all of Florida's regulars in the two exhibitions against the Predators. For the remaining open spots, he's opting to fill those with a mix of prospects and veteran players on the roster bubble.
As for the goaltenders, Maurice said he'll leave the details up to goaltending coach Robb Tallas, but noted that both Sergei Bobrovsky and Spencer Knight will see at least some time between the pipes.
"Every single Florida Panther that's healthy is playing tomorrow," Maurice said. "I couldn't justify leaving five veteran players back. We're taking the team. There are 40 spots open. We filled in with young players and players that are trying to make the team. Everybody plays."
Hired in June, the games will also be Maurice's first behind the bench with the Panthers.
"[Getting to coach a game] is the best part of your day, and you get to do two of them," said Maurice, whose 1,684 games coached are the fourth-most in NHL history. "You don't get to do that very often. For sure, just to start that interaction with the players [is exciting]. The things that the coaches talk about behind the bench in Game 1 will be the basic foundational things of our game."
During the 2021-22 preseason, the Panthers came out on top in both games against the Predators at FLA Live Arena -- a 5-4 win in overtime in Game 1 courtesy of Sam Bennett and a 3-1 win in Game 2 behind a three-point performance from Brandon Montour.
For streaming information regarding the doubleheader, stay tuned to FloridaPanthers.com.
STAAL STILL HUNGRY
Eric Staal has already had an incredible career.
A Stanley Cup champion with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, the 37-year-old forward has racked up 1,034 points (441 goals, 593 assists) over 1,293 regular-season games. A member of the illustrious Triple Gold Club, he also helped Team Canada win at the World Championship (2017) and Winter Olympics (2010).
But even though he can hang his hat on those accolades, he's not ready to hang up his skates just yet.
After spending last season out of the NHL, Staal, who got his hockey fix competing for Team Canada at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, is hoping to turn a professional tryout with the Panthers into a new contract.
"It was difficult for a little bit, just missing out on that everyday grind and that competitive spirit," Staal said when asked about his hiatus from the NHL. "It still burns inside of me. That part I missed, for sure. That opportunity to compete for Canada and go to Beijing was special.
"It was a great opportunity and life experience that I'll have forever. Now with this chance and this opportunity to get back into it, I'm not taking it lightly. I came here to be in good shape and help these guys with a role that hopefully I can fill. We'll see how it shakes out."
Nearly going the distance during his last season in the NHL, Staal posted 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in 53 games with the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens in 2020-21, and also tallied eight points (two goals, six assists) in 21 playoff games to help the Canadiens reach the Stanley Cup Final.
During Sunday's practice, Staal was centering a line with Ryan Lomberg and Patric Hornqvist.
"This is a great group of guys," Staal said. "It's competitive. It's been a great first couple days of camp. I'm excited to be here and have this opportunity and try to make the most of it. It's been fun so far."
One of those great guys is Staal's brother, Marc.
"He's obviously someone I'm real close with," said Staal said of Marc, who inked a one-year contract with the Panthers this past summer. "To be in an environment like this with him is special and fun. He's obviously excited to be here as well. It's a great opportunity for him with a great group of guys and a great team. It's been cool to spend these days together, and hopefully there's many more ahead."
One of several veterans hoping to stick with the Panthers, Staal has impressed early on in camp.
"He's got a legitimate chance," said Maurice, who coached Staal for several seasons in Carolina. "It has nothing to do with our history. I told him I'd be real honest with where I thought he was at. Through three days, that's been a fearsome line out there. They're on the puck heavy. He competes. He pushed himself this summer for this chance. He's a legitimate contender."
The Florida Panthers will celebrate their 2022-23 Home Opener at FLA Live Arena against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 19, 2022. The first 10,000 fans through the doors will receive a commemorative magnet schedule courtesy of Bally Sports Florida. Click HERE to purchase your tickets today!
