Aaron Ekblad’s 20-game suspension for a failed drug test two games into Jones’ Panthers tenure rose Jones into a top-pairing role and onto the top power play. Dmitry Kulikov’s upper-body injury sustained five games after that has magnified his value even more.

The Florida Panthers faced an overtime loss against the Montreal Canadiens, with Nick Suzuki's crucial goals leading to the defeat. Coach Paul Maurice

The Florida Panthers have earned their reputation as one of the NHL’s best teams, getting to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in each of the past three seasons, making it to the Cup final in each of the past two seasons,

TOR: D Jani Hakanpaa (knee), F Max Pacioretty (undisclosed). FLA: D Dmitry Kulikov (upper body), F Matthew Tkachuk (groin). Maple Leafs keep their positive vibes going from southern California going with a 3-2 win.

The NHL has levied a fine against Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola. On Monday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Mikkola had been fined $5,000 for what it calls “unsportsmanlike conduct” during Sunday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal defeated Florida 4-2 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.

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Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk has hit the ice for the first time since the injury but he is still not going to return until the playoffs.

Game Preview, 3/28: Utah Hockey Club vs. Florida Panthers WHEN: 5:00 p.m. MT WHERE: Amerant Bank Arena - Sunrise, Florida TV: SEG+, UtahHC+, Utah 16 | RADIO: KSL Sports Zone 97.5 FM, NHL App

As Alex Ovechkin closes in on what some considered one of the most unassailable records in NHL history – Wayne Gretzky’s 894 goals – let’s look back at how the wondrous winger ended up in the National Hockey League.