After splitting a doubleheader with the Nashville Predators on Tuesday, the Florida Panthers (1-1) will do battle with the Tampa Bay Lighting (0-1) tonight in an exhibition match-up at Amalie Arena at 7:30 p.m.
The Lightning also played on Tuesday, falling by a 3-2 count to the Carolina Hurricanes on home ice.
James Reimer and Reto Berra will split time in the Florida net and top-six forwards Jonathan Huberdeau and Reilly Smith are expected to make their preseason debuts.
According to Sun Sentinel’s Harvey Fialkov, the line of Denis Malgin centering Jonathan Marchessault and Colton Sceviour will carry over from Tuesday.
There is no local TV or radio coverage for this one, but I think you can hear the game on Lightning Power Play. Their coverage starts at 7 p.m.
In roster news, forward Jonathan Ang and defenseman Riley Stillman have been returned to their respective junior teams in the Ontario Hockey League, joining Adam Mascherin who was sent back to Kitchener last week.
Both players made a positive impact in their lone preseason appearance with the Cats, a 4-1 win over Nashville. Ang scored a goal and added an assist, earning first-star honors. Stillman logged 16:04 of ice time and finished the tilt with three shots, a hit, a block and a +2 rating.
Also taking place tonight is game two of the World Cup final between Canada and Europe at 8 p.m. on ESPN2. After winning game one, Sidney Crosby & Co. can claim the title sweep-style with another victory this evening. If Europe comes out on top, the deciding game will be on Saturday.
Keep it here for more information on tonight’s Panthers – Lightning game. We’ll add it to comment section as it becomes available. You can also check out Raw Charge if you want to catch up on the goings on with the Bolts.