VILMANIS LOOKING COMFORTABLE

Fitting right in.

Two games into his NHL career, Sandis Vilmanis has looked comfortable playing on a line with Evan Rodrigues and Mackie Samoskevich.

In those games, the rookie has put up two shots and three hits, while averaging 11:56 of ice time per tilt.

Per NaturalStatTrick.com, the Panthers have a 67.57% offensive advantage with Vilmanis on the ice during 5-on-5 play.

“I think that he looks really comfortable and playing well,” forward Jesper Boqvist said of the 21-year-old. “It’s been fun to watch.”

During Wednesday’s practice, Vilmanis remained in his spot on the third line.

Prior to being called up, he was tied for first on Florida’s AHL affiliate with 19 points.

“I would see Sandis in an environment where I could learn about his game a little bit more,” Maurice said of playing Vilmanis on the third line. “Sandis’ game has been good.”

MARCHAND & TKACHUK UPDATES

Out the last two games after exiting in the loss to the Canadiens at Bell Centre on Jan. 8, Brad Marchand skated in a yellow non-contact jersey during Wednesday’s practice.

While the team’s leading point scorer is improving, he still remains day-to-day.

Over a point-per-game this season, Marchand has registered 46 points (23G, 23A) in 41 games.

“He’s improving,” said Maurice. “Still day to day. Out of contact, but jumped into some contact drills and we stayed off him. That’s an upgrade from where he was a couple of days ago. I don’t know if that puts him in the lineup for Carolina, but he’s ahead of where he was.”

Continuing to practice, the team will see how Matthew Tkachuk recovers following a game-like practice.

“It’ll be a good test for him today to see how he recovers tomorrow,” said Maurice.

Practicing with the team since Dec. 28, Tkachuk has yet to suit up this season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia in August.

PRACTICE LINES

FORWARDS

Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Sam Reinhart

Carter Verhaeghe – Sam Bennett – A.J. Greer

Sandis Vilmanis – Evan Rodrigues – Mackie Samoskevich

Jesper Boqvist – Luke Kunin – Jack Studnicka

DEFENSEMEN

Gustav Forsling – Aaron Ekblad

Tobias Bjornfot – Uvis Balinskis

Donovan Sebrango – Jeff Petry

GOALTENDERS

Sergei Bobrovsky

Daniil Tarasov