Coming up with another big stop, Tarasov shut down John Tavares on a breakaway just past the midway point of the period.
“Huge win for new faces on our team,” Tarasov said. “We set a tone right away.”
After the Maple Leafs pulled Woll for the extra attacker, Greer cashed in on the empty net to make it 5-2 15:56
On the goal, Luostarinen (1G, 2A) and Samoskevich (1G, 2A) each recorded their third point of the game.
“Played big minutes,” Maurice said of the duo. “Played the right way.”
Capping off an impressive performance, Nosek added one more empty-net goal to lock in the 6-2 win with his second goal of the game at 18:07.
“It was a team effort,” Nosek said. “We played pretty good. We didn’t give up much except the two goals there. I think we played a pretty decent game today. I’m happy with the two goals. It’s been a long time. It feels good.”
THEY SAID IT
“Great mentor, great leader, but just a really great human being.” – Paul Maurice on Gustav Forsling
“I think the skill is obviously different. You kind of have to adjust your game to the opponents.” – Wilmer Skoog on his first taste of the NHL
“It’s not easy to come here, especially at this time of the season. But it’s big for them. They get a chance to play.” – Tomas Nosek on Florida’s rookies
CATS STATS
– Marek Alscher is the ninth rookie defenseman to record a point within his first two NHL games in franchise history.
– Cole Scwhindt won a team-high seven faceoffs.
– Luke Kunin and Cole Reinhardt each had four hits.
– Tobias Bjornfot blocked a team-high three shots.
– The Panthers led 24-21 in scoring chances at 5-on-5.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Panthers will return to South Florida to kick off their final homestand of the season with a matchup against the New York Rangers on Monday at 7 p.m. ET.
The game will also serve as the team’s annual Fan Appreciation Night.
For tickets, click HERE.