Panthers at Red Wings
The Florida Panthers return from an unexpected break on their month-opening road trip when they visit the Detroit Red Wings on Friday. Florida had its five-game trek reduced to four when Thursday's contest in Boston was postponed due to the severe winter storm that impacted the area.
The Panthers entered their trip with a season-high five-game winning streak but had it snapped as they suffered a 5-1 loss at Minnesota on Tuesday. Jonathan Huberdeau scored the lone goal in the setback, giving him five in as many games and drawing him within one of team leader Vincent Trocheck (15). Detroit is 3-0-0 on its five-game homestand and carries a six-game point streak at Little Caesars Arena (4-0-2) into Friday's contest. Andreas Athanasiou hopes to remain hot as he scored both goals in Wednesday's 2-1 triumph over Ottawa, including the winner six seconds into overtime to tie the NHL record for the fastest tally to be recorded in an extra session.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Florida, FS Detroit
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (17-17-5): Thursday's postponement likely benefited James Reimer, who left Tuesday's game with a neck injury but figures to make his 13th consecutive start against the Red Wings. Harri Sateri made his NHL debut versus the Wild in relief of Reimer and stopped 13 of the 14 shots he faced. Trocheck is tied with Huberdeau for the team lead at 37 points and needs one assist to reach the century mark for his career.
ABOUT THE RED WINGS (16-16-7): Dylan Larkin looks to extend his point streak to five games as he prepares to skate in his 200th NHL contest Friday. The 21-year-old center, who leads the team with 33 points, has registered a goal and three assists during his run. Captain Henrik Zetterberg ranks second on the club with 21 assists and is one shy of 600 for his career.
OVERTIME
1. Red Wings RW Anthony Mantha returned to the lineup Wednesday after missing two games with a groin injury and notched an assist.
2. Florida RW Evgenii Dadonov has gone five games without a point and 16 without a goal.
3. Athanasiou's goal gave Detroit its first overtime win this season (1-6), but he is tied for the team-worst plus/minus rating at minus-10.