Overview

• Matthew Tkachuk returned from a two-month injury absence to score two power-play goals and add an assist in the Panthers’ commanding Game 1 victory.
• Florida capitalized on all three power-play opportunities, with defenseman Nate Schmidt contributing two goals, including one on the man advantage.
• Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy struggled in net, allowing six goals on just 16 shots, while Anthony Cirelli exited early with an undisclosed issue.
• The Panthers’ win underscores their depth and readiness to defend their Stanley Cup title, bolstered by the return of key players like Tkachuk.
• Game 2 of the series is set for Thursday, with Tampa Bay needing to address defensive and goaltending vulnerabilities to even the series.