Tkachuk Scores Twice, Bobrovsky Returns In Panthers Win Over Sharks

SUNRISE, Fla. — Matthew Tkachuk had two goals and the game winner, Sam Bennett extended his point streak to seven games and the Florida Panthers defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-1 on Saturday.

Tkachuk has scored two or more points in four straight games, tallying 13 points over that span. 

“Sometimes the puck finds you, sometimes it doesn’t,” Tkachuk said when asked about his point streak. “You just gotta keep working and prepare the exact same way, which I’m doing. Got a couple fortunate bounces which is always nice.”

Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov scored on the power play, getting his eighth goal of the season and extending his point streak to six games. 

The Panthers have won two straight games — and five of its last six — improving to 17-9-2 on the season. They jumped back in front of Toronto for first place in the Atlantic Division in the win. 

The Sharks were outmatched against the defending Cup champs, but the blame won’t fall on goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, who had 49 saves on the night. 

Sergei Bobrovsky returned to the lineup on Saturday after being away from the team for the past two games as his wife gave birth to their second child. He stopped 28 of 29 shots en route to his 12th win of the season.

“It’s a blessing to be part of, and to see how my second daughter was born,” a joyous Bobrovsky said postgame. “I [was] happy to be there with my wife. Now I’m happy to be here with my other family.”

Bobrosvky played great in the win, and he was eyeing a shut out until Tyler Toffoli played spoiler, scoring his 11th of the season with 1:25 left in the game for San Jose’s lone goal of the night. 

“You’re hoping, to be nice to have a shutout for the baby girl,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said when asked about Bobrovsky. “He was really sharp and really on. I can only imagine that there’s a bit of freedom in his game too. That’s a lot, waiting for a new baby to arrive and then lots of joy in the net. He was great.”

Panthers News

Paul Maurice became the winningest coach in Florida Panthers history with 111 wins. It took under two and a half seasons for Maurice to reach the milestone.

“What’s the number?” Maurice asked with a smirk on his face when congratulated by a reporter. “I would say it’s not a big milestone at 111, that’s not even three 40-win seasons… I like the first part on that, I’ll take the first part. I really appreciate that.”

“I’m pleased that the team has played well for two and a half years,” Maurice added. “There will be no tattoo, I won’t be getting 111 tattooed anywhere.”

Forward Mackie Samoskevich and defenseman Uvis Balinskis returned to the lineup on Saturday, while forward Jonah Gadjovich and defenseman Adam Boqvist were scratched. 

Florida won’t play again in Sunrise until Dec. 18; they’ll be on the road for the next five games as they take on their yearly western Canada road trip.