Joel Quenneville is returning to the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks for his first head coaching job since the second-winningest coach in league history resigned and was banned from the league for his handling of a sexual assault scandal.

The Edmonton Oilers have hired Stan Bowman as general manager and executive vice president of hockey operations.

Including playoffs, Florida coach Paul Maurice has 935 wins as an NHL head coach.

Artemi Panarin scored 10 seconds into overtime and the New York Rangers rallied from three goals down to beat the rival Islanders 6-5 in a Stadium Series game at MetLife Stadium.

New Jersey Devils associate coach and former Florida Panthers head coach Andrew Brunette has been arrested in South Florida and charged with driving under the influence.

Paul Maurice’s journey toward becoming the new coach of the Florida Panthers included a fortuitous flick of the remote control, plus was aided by a college admissions department.

Paul Maurice is the new coach of the Florida Panthers.

There will be a Presidents’ Trophy banner hanging over the Florida Panthers’ home ice next season.

The Chicago Blackhawks have settled a lawsuit by a former player who said he was sexually assaulted by an assistant coach during the team’s run to the 2010 Stanley Cup title.

On Episode 43 of the Chirping the Cats, host David Dwork dives into the Florida Panthers' hot start to the season and some of the things that are standing out after the first nine games.

Leading Panthers practice on Monday, for the first time as interim head coach, was Andrew Brunette.

Commissioner Gary Bettman is defending the NHL’s handling of disciplinary matters following an investigation into the Chicago Blackhawks over sexual assault allegations in 2010.

Charlie Coyle had the only score in the shootout and the Boston Bruins beat Florida 3-2 Saturday night, ending the Panthers’ season-opening winning streak at eight games.

Andrew Brunette is ready to coach the Florida Panthers for as long as the team needs.

Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz wants the Hockey Hall of Fame to cover the name of an assistant coach on the Stanley Cup after he was accused of sexually assaulting a player during the team’s run to the 2010 title.

The NHL has decided not to discipline a former Chicago Blackhawks assistant general manager for his role in the club's mishandling of sexual assault allegations made by a player in 2010.

Joel Quenneville resigned as coach of the Florida Panthers on Thursday, two days after the second-winningest coach in NHL history was among those implicated for not swiftly responding to allegations by a Chicago Blackhawks player of being sexually assaulted by another coach during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs.

The departure of Quenneville from the Panthers is a sudden and jarring change of events on a team off to its best start in franchise history.

Quenneville said Wednesday morning that he would be meeting with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Thursday in New York City to discuss the findings of the investigation.

The former player at the heart of the Chicago Blackhawks assault scandal has come forward publicly.

The Panthers are rolling this season but coach Joel Quenneville being named in a report detailing how the Chicago Blackhawks mishandled sexual assault allegations that an assistant on his staff sexually assaulted a player during the team’s Stanley Cup run in 2010 could derail Florida's hopes.

The Chicago Blackhawks made public on Tuesday the findings of an independent investigation into allegations of sexual assault against former video coach Brad Aldrich.

Florida Panthers coach Joel Quenneville says he'll meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Thursday to discuss his involvement in the Chicago Blackhawks’ sexual abuse scandal.

Since his arrival in South Florida prior to last season, Anthony Duclair has seen time on all four of Florida's forward lines at one point or another.

Speaking about becoming a dad for the first time on Wednesday, Bobrovsky discussed his first days of fatherhood that just happened to occur during the final days of Panthers training camp.

Episode 42 of the Chirping the Cats podcast takes a dive into the Florida Panthers 2021-22 Opening Night roster, breaking down the first set of expected lines and pairings put together by head coach Joel Quenneville.

Head Coach Joel Quenneville led a spirited practice on Monday, one that saw the team switch rinks two separate times in order to work on a clean sheet of ice as much as possible.

On Sunday the Panthers acquired defenseman Olli Juolevi from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Juho Lammikko and defenseman Noah Juulsen.

Lundell joined the Panthers during a team practice at the Ice Den in Coral Springs on Monday, skating on a line with Joe Thornton and Maxim Mamin, both of whom were also returning from minor injuries.

Patrick Kane says he participated in the Chicago Blackhawks investigation into allegations that a then-assistant coach sexually assaulted two players in 2010.

Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman has pledged to cooperate with an investigation into allegations that an assistant coach sexually assaulted two players in 2010.

Florida Panthers coach Joel Quenneville has offered to participate in the Chicago Blackhawks’ review of allegations by a former player who says he was sexually assaulted by a then-assistant coach in 2010.

Joel Quenneville and his staff held the traditional exit meetings with their players on Friday, less than 48 hours after Florida was dispatched in a six-game slugfest against cross-state rival Tampa Bay.

"We’re going to announce it tonight," Quenneville said following Monday's pregame morning skate.

Alex Killorn scored a pair of second-period goals and the Tampa Bay Lightning rebounded from its first postseason loss to rout the Florida Panthers 6-2 and take a commanding 3-1 lead in the first-round Central Division playoff matchup.

Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has stopped 63 of 65 shots from the Minnesota Wild over the first two games of their West Division playoff series.

The first-ever playoff game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers could be tough to top.

Sunday the Panthers held a morning skate at the BB&T Center ahead of Game One of their opening round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

There used to be a thing called the Governor’s Cup, a trophy presented to whichever team won the annual regular season series between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

On Saturday, Yandle is expected to play in his 921st consecutive National Hockey League game.

Montour is playing in his fifth season after being selected in the second round of the 2014 NHL Draft by Anaheim.

John Vanbiesbrouck of USA Hockey attends the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 23, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. SUNRISE, Fla. – The Florida Panthers are one of the biggest surprises in the NHL this year. “Oh, I’m keeping tabs on them,” original Panther John Vanbiesbrouck told Local 10. “They’re a well-coached team and a very balanced team. “They’ve built a very strong team.”

SUNRISE, Fla. – On Episode 32 of Chirping the Cats, host David Dwork is joined by Florida Panthers radio play-by-play voice Doug Plagens. Dave and Doug discuss into the current state of the team, how well the team has meshed both on and off the ice and give credit to first year general manager Bill Zito for bringing in players who instantly have fit into head coach Joel Quenneville’s systems. They also chat about Doug’s love for the game of baseball and his affinity for ballpark road trips, how he got started as a broadcaster and also the time-honored tradition of collecting sports cards, something both Doug and David have enjoyed doing for much of their lives. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CTC PODCAST - iOS | Android

Gustav Forsling of the Florida Panthers clears the puck during second period action against the Chicago Blackhawks at the BB&T Center on January 17, 2021 in Sunrise, Florida. SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling comes across as a very easygoing 24-year-old. “I just know how he wants to play, and his system, and how he wants you to play,” Forsling said of Coach Q. After going scoreless in each of his first 11 outings in Florida, Forsling has a recorded goal and three assists over his past four games. Based on the way he’s been playing, it might behoove Forsling to continue familiarizing himself with his new tropical home.

One of the most consistent elements of the surging Panthers has been the team’s top defensive pairing of Aaron Ekblad and MacKenzie Weegar. Examining just 5-on-5 play, Ekblad and Weegar have combined for 17 points (4-13-17) and a plus-4 on-ice rating while holding nearly identical Corsi For Percentages (53.9 for Weegar, 53.8 for Ekblad). “I thought I had it with Brian Campbell, and it was great,” Ekblad said. “You can tell they’re having fun and they’re both playing great,” said Panthers alternate captain Keith Yandle. “(Ekblad and Weegar) remind me of those two guys, and you know their story was spectacular.

Patric Hornqvist of the Florida Panthers skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the BB&T Center on February 13, 2021 in Sunrise, Florida. “It’s hard when you have six, seven, eight new players,” Hornqvist said in late January. They are two great players, they’re smart players and they’re pass-first guys. That’s what separates the really good players from the good players. The Florida Panthers really took care of me and my family from the first day.

Alex DeBrincat of the Chicago Blackhawks battles for control of the puck with Noel Acciari of the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on January 17, 2021 in Sunrise, Florida. Coach Q said Panthers forward Noel Acciari was not with the team on the road and would miss 7-10 days with an upper-body injury. It’s a tough break for Florida’s lineup to lose a player who fills so many roles on the team. If there is an important faceoff in the defensive zone, odds are its Acciari on the ice taking the draw. After leaving Tampa, the Panthers will play at Carolina on Wednesday before heading to Detroit for a back-to-back set with the Red Wings on Friday and Saturday.

Florida’s 6-1-2 start through nine games is the second-best in franchise history, topped only by the 6-0-3 record to open the 1996-97 season. “We've been consistent in most games," Florida coach Joel Quenneville said. Starting poorly, however, has pretty much snuffed out some Panthers seasons before they even started. The five Florida teams that went to the playoffs — 1995-96, 1996-97, 1999-2000, 2011-12 and 2015-16 — averaged 12 standings points through the season’s first nine games. There’s obviously a long way to go, but the Panthers finally have the start they wanted.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Most teams don’t get a bye week when the season is less than a few days old, but most teams aren’t the Florida Panthers. Now, at the two-week mark of the young campaign, the Panthers have played a whopping two games, with the last one coming seven days ago. Since opening training camp on Jan. 3, head coach Joel Quenneville has held 16 days of practice, all at the BB&T Center. Starting Tuesday in Columbus, the Cats will play four road games over the next six days. “I think that’s the part that everybody is more excited about than anything, that they were playing again,” Quenneville said.

Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville speaks to his players following a practice at the BB&T Center on January 22, 2021. SUNRISE, Fla. – We knew going into the 2020-21 NHL season that things were going to be far from the status quo. The ongoing, and once again surging coronavirus pandemic was going to produce unknown hurdles and obstacles throughout the condensed campaign. The Stars’ season wouldn’t begin until at least Jan. 22, which meant their two-game schedule opening set in Sunrise against the Panthers would be postponed. That means the team will need play 54 games in the span of 103 days.

Florida Panthers goaltender Chris Driedger is introduced before an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. SUNRISE, Fla. – The revamped Florida Panthers were expected to look a bit different when taking the ice for the first time, but not so much in the goal crease. Last season Driedger went 7-2-1 in limited action for the Panthers, including an impressive .938 save percentage and 2.05 goals against average. “Whatever does happen, I’m going to be excited.”Florida Panthers goaltender Chris Driedger raises his stick after the Panthers defeated the Nashville Predators 3-0 Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. “It’s tough seeing those other teams play and get this going,” Driedger said.

“I really liked the pace of the scrimmage,” Quenneville said. I think he’s going to be a great fit here. “I thought the goalies were really good,” Quenneville said after the scrimmage. “I think he’s going through camp here,” Quenneville said when asked for his assessment of Denisenko to this point. “I thought he was one that had really good pace.”Frank Vatrano was very active on a line with Tippett and center Eetu Luostarinen.

CHICAGO – Chicago Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton agreed to a two-year contract extension Tuesday on the eve of his third season with the team. Colliton is 62-58-17 since he replaced Joel Quenneville in November 2018, becoming the 38th coach in franchise history. He guided Chicago into the postseason last year, winning a four-game series against Edmonton before being eliminated by Vegas. The Blackhawks open this season on Colliton's 36th birthday on Wednesday at Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay. “Jeremy has shown an innate ability to develop young talent throughout his two seasons as head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks,” President of Hockey Operations Stan Bowman said in a release.

A lot of guys had good nights and some guys were alright.”“I liked the tempo of the game,” Quenneville continued. Putting it all together, that consistency is something that I really think he’s improving at. Sure, some rust may have shown during the scrimmage, but that’s to be expected during training camp. It felt good, and luckily a couple went in.”Said Q: “I think he’s coming on in training camp. Said Q: “They’ll be pushing one another right now as we get closer to the first game, but Monty certainly helped himself tonight with a real good game.

Panthers forward Anthony Duclair skates on the first day of training camp at the BB&T Center. Teams across the NHL took the ice for the first time in months as training camp practices got underway, and that includes the Florida Panthers. UNFIT TO PLAYOf the 39 players on Florida’s training camp roster, five were absent from the two on-ice workouts that took place Monday at the BB&T Center. I think he can be a great asset on our line.”It was as good of a start as anyone in Sunrise could’ve hoped for, taking into consideration that it was still just a training camp practice. “I thought Duke and had a really good practice,” Quenneville said.

Players in the Roster Expectations group are guys who are the most likely to be on the Panthers roster at some point this season, if not the whole way. It will be a big disappointment, and kind of shocking to be honest, if Tippett is not on the Panthers roster straight out of training camp. Stillman may have had a leg up on guys like Chase Priskie and Brady Keeper last summer but expect more of an open competition for that seventh defenseman spot during training camp. Samuel Montembeault –Monty will enter training camp as the third goalie in line, behind Sergei Bobrovsky and Chris Driedger, following a very up-and-down 2019-20 season. Eetu Loustarinen – After coming to the Panthers from Carolina in the Vincent Trocheck trade, Loustarinen opened some eyes during the bubble training camp and postseason in Toronto.

Instead, Panthers President Matt Caldwell rolled up his sleeves and did things the old-fashioned way; he got to work. 22 days after the search began, Viola, Caldwell and the rest of the Panthers brass knew they had found their man. Caldwell officially introduced Bill Zito as the teams new general manager during a press conference held via Zoom from the BB&T Center. The Panthers have several key decisions to make, and the man who will have the final say is Zito. We started these discussions, and well go through and evaluate what might be prudent options, Zito said.

SUNRISE, Fla. The Florida Panthers are still searching for a new general manager, but that doesnt mean business ceased for the rest of the front office. On Monday, the Panthers announced they have come to terms with one of their many restricted free agents, inking defenseman Brady Keeper to a one-year, two-way contract. I took it as one last chance not to mess up again.Florida Panthers defenseman Brady Keeper skates during a training camp practice at the Ice Den in Coral Springs. He had an excellent game against Tampa and a real good training camp, Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville said of the young defenseman earlier this month in Toronto. I think that was why he earned his spot.GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESSKeeper is the first Panthers free agent, restricted or otherwise, to sign a new deal with the team.

TORONTO There has been a quiet confidence brewing among the Florida Panthers during the team's ten days inside the Toronto bubble. "We just wanted to play a simpler game and a harder game," veteran center Brian Boyle said Wednesday. "You can't dwell on what happened in those first two games," Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad said. "It was a big game for us, a big game mentally," said Bob. After the game, Quenneville didn't seem overly concerned about Huberdeau's status for Game 4, but you wouldn't expect a veteran coach like Q to give away any information that would potentially help his opponent.

TORONTO Anyone who thought the Florida Panthers were going to win their first postseason series in 24 years without having to come from behind has clearly not been paying attention. Cue Game 1 of the Qualifying Round against the New York Islanders. Jonathan Huberdeau of the Florida Panthers celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the third period in Game One of the Eastern Conference Qualification Round on August 1, 2020. We pushed really hard, just didnt find the back of the net, Panthers All-Star winger Jonathan Huberdeau said. Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers makes the save against Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders during the third period in Game One of the Eastern Conference Qualifying Round on August 1, 2020 at Scotiabank Arena.

They're the same supporters that endured frustrating game after frustrating game for over a decade of playoff-less hockey. Tampa showed up to Scotiabank Arena ready to perform at the pace of the playoff game. That's why for some, it will feel like so much more is on the line than just a playoff series. As long as they play their game, and play it well, Q is confident things will work out. I dont think there is a lot of secrets in a lot of teams, how they play, he said.

TORONTO, ONT Semyon Varlamov stopped 27 shots and the New York Islanders opened their best-of-five playoff series with a 2-1 win over the Florida Panthers on Saturday in the NHLs return following a 4 1/2-month break. Islanders trade deadline addition Jean-Gabriel Pageau opened the scoring re-directing in Derick Brassards centering pass 12 minutes into the game. The Islanders beat Florida for the fifth straight time, dating to the 2018-19 regular season, and continued keeping the high-scoring Panthers in check. NOTES: Panthers Joel Quenneville coached his 216th career playoff game, which ranks second on the all-time list. This is the second playoff meeting after the Islanders eliminated the Panthers in six games of a first-round series in 2016.

The Florida Panthers one and only chance for a tune-up game was a blur of missed opportunities and defensive zone coverage that left something to be desired. Even with the awful result on Wednesday, it hasn't cost the Panthers a single inch in the Qualifying Round. MATHESONS NIGHTMARE AFTERNOONDefenseman Mike Matheson may have played himself out of a roster spot in Saturday's Qualifying Round opener against the Isles. On Saturday comes Game 1 of the best-of-five Qualifying Round series against the New York Islanders at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drops on the Panthers postseason party at 4 p.m.

In a unique situation like this, youre going from not playing to playing playoff-style hockey, so youve got to embrace the grind mentally, physically.This is a different kind of grind after four-plus months off the ice. Eddie Olczyk won and lost one best-of-five series early in his playing career with Chicago and remembers the nerves of being 18 and 19 years old in those moments. Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour understands that urgency despite being drafted two years after the NHL moved to all best-of-seven series. His Hurricanes face the Rangers, whose president, John Davidson, won the only two best-of-five series he played in with New York. In a short series, Quenneville said, anything can happen.___AP Hockey Writer John Wawrow contributed to this report.

TORONTO Toronto is considered by many as the hockey capital of the world, and there isn't a player or coach on the Florida Panthers that hasn't been there countless times before. "I've never seen a place where you have to go through security to leave the hotel, but you don't have to go through security to get into the hotel," said Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville. "I think the NHL did a really good job," Panthers winger Jonathan Huberdeau said during the team's first Zoom meeting from the bubble on Monday. EKBLAD RETURNSThe Panthers held their first bubble practice on Monday at the Ford Performance Centre, which doubles as the Toronto Maple Leafs official training facility. Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky takes part in a practice at the Ford Performance Centre in Toronto, Ontario on July 27, 2020.

BOB N ARTEMIOne of the first players to be summoned to the daily Zoom calls was goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Conversations seemed to gravitate more towards curiosity than concern, with several Panthers players discussing what they're going to bring to help pass the time. Once the offseason hits, Florida will have some decisions to make as several key players will be hitting the open market. I'm going to play and do my job. Obviously, I'm going to do my part and I have to be my best here.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. After enduring what felt like an eternity without hockey, the now-concluded Florida Panthers postseason training camp went by in the blink of an eye. Even Panthers Head Coach Joel Quenneville couldnt keep a grin from growing under his silver stash when discussing the upcoming expedition. QUICK TURNAROUNDAfter arriving in Toronto on Sunday afternoon, the Panthers wont have much time before getting right back to work. Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville chats with the team during a training camp practice on July 25, 2020. (Florida Panthers)According to Quenneville, every team must give its players at a day off during the first four days in the hub.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. One of the more unsung heroes for the Florida Panthers this season has been defenseman Aaron Ekblad. Playing his sixth year in the NHL after being selected first overall by Florida in 2014, Ekblad saw his all-around game blossom under new head coach Joel Quenneville. If you're a d-man with above-average offensive skill, odds are you'll be working the point while on the man advantage. "Not fit to go today," was the answer from Quenneville when asked about Ekblad's second consecutive absence. Aleksi Saarela of the Florida Panthers forechecks during a 5-4 Los Angeles Kings win at Staples Center on February 20, 2020.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. Top line right winger Evgenii Dadonov has been a model for production and consistency since making his triumphant return to the Florida Panthers. A mainstay on Florida's top forward line and first power play unit, Dadonov has proven himself to be anything but a one-trick pony. "On the power play, he's very effective as well. Another Panthers player looking forward to feeling the intensity of the postseason for the first time is defenseman-turned-forward Mark Pysyk. Florida Panthers defenseman Mark Pysyk is congratulated for his goal against the Detroit Red Wings Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020.

You never know how things are going to play out," Quenneville said following Tuesday's practice at the Panthers Ice Den. Now that he's back with the Panthers, Tippett wants to absorb as much information as possible. It also helps that while practicing with the Panthers, Tippett and the others are going up against bigger, better, faster players than what they faced in the AHL. "Anytime you get a chance to skate with the big boys and be a part of the big group, you feel more a part of it." The lanky forward has been impressing the coaching staff with his work ethic and abilities both with and without the puck.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. If anybody in the Florida Panthers dressing room has his finger on the pulse of the team, it's defenseman Keith Yandle. Across the board, the Panthers players bought into the program. Keith Yandle #3 of the Florida Panthers prepares for a face-off against the Chicago Blackhawks at the BB&T Center on February 29, 2020 in Sunrise, Florida. IF YOUVE SEEN ONE MASKSome of you may have been hoping to hear about the cool and unique face masks that Panthers players were wearing around the rink. Florida Panthers coach Joel Quenneville handles bench duties during the first period against the New York Islanders on October 12, 2019.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. When the Florida Panthers added NHL veteran Brian Boyle to the roster back in October, nobody really batted an eye. Brian Boyle, a two-time Stanley Cup finalist with 114 playoff games under his belt, was signed by a young, inexperienced Panthers franchise desperate to break through to the next level. He's really responsible, he can play the wing, he's got speed and he's good on draws. He's been good to play with; he's been good to be around, and I think he's been good for our group. If all goes according to plan, Boyle, Connolly and the rest of the Panthers will be away from South Florida for two months.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. For Florida Panthers' rookie defenseman Riley Stillman, the last few years of his life have been a blur. Its exciting, Stillman said after Saturdays practice at the Panthers Ice Den. I think guys realize its pretty wide-open this year, Connolly said Saturday. VETERAN LEADERSHIPSaturday marked exactly two weeks until the Panthers and Islanders face off in Game 1 of their Qualifying Round series. Connolly also said it's the veteran players' job to "be there to listen, to help and to lead by example."

Just ask Florida Panthers defensemen Aaron Ekblad and MacKenzie Weegar. During the first 20 games of the regular season, and the final 16, no defensive pair was on the ice together more than Weegar and Ekblad. It quickly became clear who was at the top of the defensive pairing hierarchy on the Panthers bench. MacKenzie Weegar of the Florida Panthers skates with the puck during a game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on February 25, 2020. "I don't mind playing afternoon games," Quenneville said with a smile.

In this photo provided by the Dallas Stars NHL hockey team, interim head coach Rick Bowness watches practice in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 14, 2020. You get out there and you miss it, the Dallas Stars coach said. You realize how much you enjoy being out there.The NHLs oldest head coach still worries about COVID-19 but not enough to stop doing his job. Im going to have to adjust to it, there is no question. The average age of the 24 head coaches in the playoffs is just under 54, the second-oldest behind the NBA among North Americas four major professional sports leagues.

That's the mindset of the Florida Panthers $70 million goaltender, who said he approached the three months away from the rink due to the coronavirus pandemic just like he would have for a normal offseason summer. Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky takes part in an intrasquad scrimmage during a Florida Panthers training camp practice at the Ice Den in Coral Springs. (Florida Panthers)LOTS O CENTERSFlorida's training camp roster features several forwards who have more than a little experience in the faceoff circle. KITCHEN OPTS OUTOn Monday, the Panthers announced that assistant coach Mike Kitchen had opted out of the 2020 postseason. Florida Panthers players take part in an intrasquad scrimmage at the Ice Den in Coral Springs on July 14, 2020.

Skates cutting into freshly cleaned ice, players laughing and chirping at each other, coaches' voices booming across a mostly empty area. Panthers Coach Joel Quenneville admitted that he was expecting an "OK" practice but was pleasantly surprised with how well the players looked and how much juice they had. Quennevile said Monday's skate was on par with Florida's best practices of the season, which says a lot about the kind of shape that the Panthers players kept themselves in during the pause. "I think the adrenaline from being back on the ice and being with all the guys, it was a great first day back," Panthers center Noel Acciari said. Quenneville said that Panthers goalie coach Robb Tallas was "raving" about how good goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky looked during Monday's practice and that he was impressed with Bob's performance.

The Florida Panthers hit the ice on Monday as the NHL officially moved into Phase 3 of its Return to Play Plan. Just as Florida's players hit the ice in Coral Springs on Monday, the team released its official training camp roster. Training camp will last just about two weeks, after which the team will pack everything up and head north to Ontatio on July 26. Tippett, Florida's first round pick in 2017, and Keeper have already played at least one game in a Panthers sweater, but neither had been with the big club this season. One notable absence from the Panthers training camp roster is 2016 first round pick Henrik Borgstrom, who may not be completely healthy after suffering a late-season injury while playing for the Panthers' American Hockey League affiliate in Springfield.

Lot of goals, lot of production. Aaron Ekblad Ekblad had the best defensive season of his career while carrying tons of responsibility, often matched up against the oppositions top scorers. Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and Aaron Ekblad celebrate the team's 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. It wasnt a bad year by any stretch, but this was a season Ekblad and Matheson were expected to each take big steps forward in their respective careers. Florida Panthers defenseman Mike Matheson skates against the Montreal Canadiens, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019.

But that was the regular season, and now we're talking playoffs. Despite the inconsistent regular season, Quenneville knows what Bobrovsky is capable of and is confident he can recapture the top form needed to help Florida reach the next level. Quenneville anticipates having around three weeks for training camp before the Panthers begin their best-of-five series against the New York Islanders. PREPARING FOR BATTLEDuring the regular season, Florida tied for fifth in the league in scoring, averaging 3.3 goals per game. The Panthers went 0-2-1 against the Isles during the regular season.

SUNRISE, Fla. One of the biggest surprises of the Florida Panthers season came in the form of defenseman-turned-forward Mark Pysyk. Now Pysyk and the rest of the Panthers are working hard to get back into form as the NHL hopes to resume the season with its 24-team Return to Play Plan. Its going to be a weird, quick, mad dash to get back into shape and back into game speed, Pysyk said. I think the NHL has done a great job of putting things in place, Pysyk said. 7 seed New York Islanders in what the NHL is calling the Qualifying Round, which will be a best-of-five series.

On Friday, the NHLPA Executive Board voted in favor of authorizing further negotiations with NHL executives on a format that would include 24 teams returning to play this season. The remaining 16 teams, eight per conference, would participate in a play-in round, with each series being best-of-five. 7 seed, which, as fate would have it, is a familiar foe in the local lore of recent playoff appearances; the New York Islanders. Florida Panthers coach Joel Quenneville handles bench duties during the first period against the New York Islanders at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on October 12, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. Ross Johnston of the New York Islanders fights with Josh Brown of the Florida Panthers during the third period at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on October 12, 2019 in Uniondale, New York.

SUNRISE, Fla. – There is no arguing that Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville knows what he's doing. Lately, it's become more evident that Quenneville feels the effort level from the Panthers, as a whole, needs to be better. "We've had some recent defeats with (our) compete level not at the all-out level, and I think that's what we're looking to reestablish," he said earlier this week. Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville watches during an NHL game against the Boston Bruins, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. I think that's the biggest thing, and everything else takes care of itself.

SUNRISE, Fla. – On Episode 7 of Chirping the Cats, Florida Panthers top line winger Jonathan Huberdeau joins host David Dwork for a chat about playing Joel Quenneville, Huby growing up as a Panthers player and much more! David also gets into some key elements of Florida’s season, which is nearing the 30-game mark. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CTC PODCAST - iOS | Android1:00 – Odd-man rushes2:50 – Gap control5:20 – Defense a 5-man game6:00 – Florida's aggressive defense7:20 – High-scoring Panthers8:20 – Jonathan Huberdeau interview9:20 – Playing for Joel Quenneville10:05 – Learning Q's system11:30 – Different start to the season, not falling behind12:45 – Playing best hockey of his career13:45 – Balancing passing and shooting15:30 – Growing up with Panthers core guys17:30 – Amazing linemates over the years19:10 – Leaders/coaches that have stood out

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Over the past two-plus decades, Florida Panthers hockey and Thanksgiving have not been an ideal pairing. Panthers fans have rarely had the opportunity to sit around the Thanksgiving table and discuss how good their hockey team is playing. Florida heads into Turkey Day with a solid 12-7-5 record, good for second place in the crowded Atlantic Division; only four points separate the Panthers and sixth place Buffalo. For a few weeks, it looked like Florida's overall defensive play was beginning to really tighten up. "Whether it's in the neutral zone or our rush game, I think we’re giving too much off the rush," Quenneville said.

SUNRISE, Fla. – There was never any doubt that the Florida Panthers were capable of more than what they'd accomplished in recent years. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)It's clear that the Panthers are a team that is still figuring things out. Florida Panthers center Jonathan Huberdeau smiles after scoring in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. UNCHARTED TERRITORYThere is something quite different about this Panthers team. “We’ve had a few good comebacks over the years, but a team this good, doing it consecutive weeks, it’s unheard of.”

Keith Yandle of the Florida Panthers in action against the New York Islanders on November 09, 2019. CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - When discussing the new-look Florida Panthers and their early-season success, the conversation quickly gravitates to head coach Joel Quenneville. "You have to play good defense if you're going to play good offense. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Josh Brown of the Florida Panthers checks Michael Dal Colle of the New York Islanders on October 12, 2019. pic.twitter.com/U9e2kWahrb Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) November 20, 2019Copyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

Head coach Joel Quenneville of the Florida Panthers looks on from behind the bench on November 14, 2019. SUNRISE, Fla. - The Florida Panthers are nearing the quarter pole of the season. Michael Reaves/Getty Images Vincent Trocheck of the Florida Panthers celebrates after scoring a goal against the Winnipeg Jets on November 14, 2019. Joel Auerbach/Getty Images Jonathan Huberdeau celebrates his first period goal with Keith Yandle and Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers. Last season, Huberdeau reached new marks in goals, assists and points (30-62-92) while playing in all 82 games for Florida.

Josh Brown #2 of the New York Rangers pursues Brendan Lemieux #48 of the Florida Panthers. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)Evgenii Dadonov scored twice to lead the Florida Panthers to a 4-3 win over the New York Rangers on Saturday night. Mike Hoffman and Brett Connolly also scored, and Jonathan Huberdeau and Keith Yandle each had three assists for the Panthers. Hoffman and Dadonov scored power-play goals at 2:05 and 6:50, respectively, giving the Panthers scores on the man advantage in nine straight games. However, the Rangers tied it both times, first with Strome's sixth goal at 2:39 and Panarin's ninth at 8:47.

BOSTON - Mike Hoffman scored one of four Florida goals in the third period and added the winner in a shootout as the Panthers rallied from a four-goal deficit and beat the Boston Bruins 5-4 on Tuesday night. David Pastrnak scored his league-leading 16th goal for Boston, which broke a scoreless tie with four goals in the second, but could not hold off Florida. Joakim Nordstrom, Anders Bjork and Zdeno Chara also scored for Boston, and Tuukka Rask made 25 saves. Boston added goals by Bjork and Chara, taking a 4-0 lead into the third. Play was halted for a few minutes in the first period when the arena lights flickered with the Panthers on a power play.

Florida Panthers' Anthony Greco, left, and Dominic Toninato celebrate after Greco scored against the Dallas Stars on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - We're not even a quarter into the Florida Panthers 2019-20 schedule, but the team's depth continues to be tested. In the meantime, Panthers general manager Dale Tallon called up forward Dominic Toninato from Florida's AHL affiliate in Springfield. A big-bodied, two-way center, Toninato slid into Acciari's spot on the fourth line between Dryden Hunt and Colton Sceviour during Wednesday's practice. When asked what he hopes to bring to the Panthers, Toninato said he considers himself a "200-foot, reliable centerman."

SUNRISE, Fla. - On Episode 4 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork discusses the strong start to Florida's season and highlights a couple of big-bodied forwards who are making a difference for head coach Joel Quenneville. Dave also has a great discussion with legendary Panthers defenseman Ed Jovanovski, discussing his career from start to finish and how he found his way back to the franchise that drafted him. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CTC PODCAST - iOS | Android:40 Quenneville changing the culture1:50 Brian Boyle fitting right in4:00 Mark Pysyk adjusting to playing wing5:05 Third line of Vatrano-Malgin-Pysyk5:30 Denis Malgin showing up6:45 Depth allows Borgstrom, Tippett not to be rushed7:35 Ed Jovanovski interviewCopyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

Oh, and let us not forget the poor starts to the season that past Panthers teams have been notorious for setting themselves up with. "I think with the first month (of the season), we're still adjusting," said Florida forward JonathanHuberdeau. "Q is there, and he has a great system; we've just got to follow it every night." Florida allowed just 22 shots on goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who registered his first shutout as a member of the Panthers. Puck possession was strong, as well, which will always lead to good things in Quenneville's system.

Florida Panthers coach Joel Quenneville handles bench duties during the first period against the New York Islanders on October 12, 2019. DENVER - The finish line of a long and daunting road trip is in sight. Joel Quenneville and his Florida Panthers are almost done with an October schedule to forget. But first things first, and that's ending an extremely tough road trip on a positive note. "Knowing that we have a chance to have a good road trip, especially on a tough road trip with tough travel, I think for us to come out and start early and start fast is big for us."

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson skates past as Florida Panthers center Jonathan Huberdeau celebrates with teammates after scoring during the third period on Oct. 22, 2019. With the Florida Panthers reaching the 10-game mark of the season Thursday night in Calgary, it seemed like a good time for a new 10 Observations. Michael Reaves/Getty Images Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers prepares for a face-off against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 08, 2019. Michael Reaves/Getty Images Evgenii Dadonov of the Florida Panthers skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 08, 2019. We'll end this 10 Observations with some knowledge from Florida Panthers playoff legend Bill Lindsay.

SUNRISE, Fla. - On this episode of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork sits down for an extended chat with Florida Panthers defenseman Mike Matheson. Dave also takes a look at the progress being made by the Panthers as the team continues learning new head coach Joel Quenneville's defensive system, and he also gets into the signing of veteran forward Brian Boyle, and what it means for Florida's roster. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CTC PODCAST - iOS | Android:25 Cats season off to a decent start, much better than recent years1:20 Team overall consistency improving2:00 Zone exits must be cleaned up3:25 Denis Malgin earning a permanent spot? 5:10 MacKenzie Weegar's ascension continues7:45 Aleksander Barkov is fine9:45 Brian Boyle signing11:30 Mike Matheson interviewCopyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

Vincent Trocheck scored the deciding goal in the shootout to give the Panthers a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Saturday night. "I haven't won a game in a shootout in almost two years, so it was important to me to win this one." Roman Josi and Kyle Turris scored the goals for Nashville, which has lost three of four. From there, he lifted a wrist shot high to the glove side of Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne. "We kind of talked about it, that we want to have a real good push late in games," Turris said.

Andre Burakovsky scored twice, Joonas Donskoi had a goal and two assists, Matt Nieto also scored and Philipp Grubauer stopped 40 shots for Colorado. Jonathan Huberdeau scored twice for Florida, Brett Connolly and Frank Vatrano added goals and Bobrovsky made 36 saves. Colorado scored twice in a 32-second span midway through the second period to tie it at three. "Early on, I didn't like it, and then the second period starts to come around." The Panthers play at Nashville on Saturday night.

In the time since, the players have been busy learning a new defensive system, implemented by head coach Joel Quenneville. "I think (in) all zones, we're probably more effective in knowing how we want to check," Quenneville said Wednesday when asked how the process is going. An emerging duo that skated together during the Panthers' recent three-game road trip is Aaron Ekblad and MacKenzie Weegar. It's been a lot of fun," Weegar said. They make quite an unlikely duo; the first overall pick in 2014 (Ekblad) and the sixth-from-last pick in 2013 (Weegar).

Florida Panthers right wing Evgenii Dadonov, at left down on the ice, scores a goal against New Jersey Devils goaltender Cory Schneider on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019. NEWARK, N.J. - Another strong third period provided a satisfying conclusion to a three-game road trip for coach Joel Quenneville and the Florida Panthers. "No one sees that coming," Taylor Hall, one of the Devils' goal scorers, said of the struggle to win a game. For Florida, Brett Connolly scored twice, and Jonathan Huberdeau and Evgenii Dandonov also had goals as the Panthers snapped a three-game losing streak. The Devils expanded the lead to 4-1 early in the second as Butcher and Zacha scored 36 seconds apart.