SUNRISE, Fla. – The up-and-coming talent of the Carolina Hurricanes came out on the wrong side of a 5-4 score on Saturday, falling to the Florida Panthers in overtime.

GAME SUMMARY | BOX SCORE | TRAINING CAMP GROUPS | PRESEASON SCHEDULE

A quick turnaround after last night’s 8-2 thrashing of an inexperienced Panthers roster at Lenovo Center on Friday, the Canes were on the other side of the coin this evening, roster-wise. Taking a lineup that included 13 players who have yet to play in a regular season game to Florida, the youthful batch came out of the gate with an impressive start though.

Jackson Blake surged confidence into the group just 2:22 in, recording a must-see highlight reel tally early.

Despite being held without a shot for the first 10-plus minutes, the Panthers would push back and tie the game during the back half of the period, but thanks to Juha Jaaska on a breakaway, the Canes had the lead at the end of 20.

Momentum stemming from the late tally appeared to carry over to the middle frame when Carolina then extended its lead to three. Jack Drury and Gleb Trikozov, making his preseason debut, scored just 24 seconds apart.

In total control ahead 4-1, Paul Maurice’s group then pushed back in a major way. Striking for three consecutive goals, the Panthers stripped away the ice tilt in favor of the visitors and sent things to the third period tied.

The scoring would come to a complete standstill for the final 20 minutes, sending the game to overtime.

In the extra session, Florida scored the fifth and final goal, earning a split of the weekend series.

Ewwww, Jackson Blake pic.twitter.com/vl9yEFaHND

— NHL (@NHL) September 28, 2024

Additional Observations…

• Defenseman Aleksi Heimosalmi continues to impress with his ability to create space and offense with his feet. He’s slippery.
• Speaking of the blue line, Panthers forward and NHL mainstay Anton Lundell got to know **Bryce Montgomery** tonight. Whether it be in Chicago (AHL) or Bloomington (ECHL) this year, the 21-year-old should continue to physically dominate.
• 2023 second round pick Felix Unger Sorum is ALWAYS trying to create when the puck is on his stick. Whether it be with his hands, his body positioning, or dishing it off, he’s giving it his all to avoid giving away possession. Sometimes he’s guilty of trying to do too much, but his intentions are always good and his level of thinking is high.
• It’s too early to say exactly what happens for Jackson Blake, but, what we do know is that three preseason games remain. In at least one of the three, I would think that the Canes try and get him in a game playing alongside two guys who he would realistically play with if they are considering keeping him around for the opening night roster.

Quality work here from Tyson Jost to set up an almost-chance for Eric Robinson from his knees.

Driedger pokes it away, but right into the lap of #18. pic.twitter.com/llyaMCtLOr

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) September 28, 2024

What’s Next?

The Canes are off on Sunday before returning to practice at Invisalign Arena on Monday and Tuesday to get set for a home tilt against the Predators on Wednesday.

Next Game: Wednesday, October 2 vs. Nashville – 7 p.m. – Lenovo Center | COMMUNITY PRESEASON GAME ($10 General Admission) | Tickets | Parking