A trip they’ll ‘never forget’
For many of the Florida Panthers, this year’s NHL Global Series proved to be a trip they’ll never forget.
Last week, the Panthers traveled across the Atlantic to Finland for a two-game set against the Winnipeg Jets. In front of sellout crowds at Helsinki’s Hartwall Arena, the Panthers took part in a unique, electric environment as the team split the two contests.
The event spotlighted two Finland natives
— Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov and Jets winger Patrik Laine.
“It was a pretty special moment in the game,” Panthers coach Bob Boughner said.
“We talked about that with Barkov. Everywhere we went in town and the hotels — it was a great experience for our team. It was put on in a first class way and our guys really enjoyed it. It’s not easy on these players — it’s a big commitment to come all the way over here, but it was well
executed on everyone’s behalf and Helsinki’s been great to us.”
Before Thursday and Friday’s games, the team practiced in front of a packed arena as fans took advantage of the rare opportunity to see NHL teams up close in Finland.
“It was nice,” Barkov said. “We really don’t see that in Florida or the NHL [where] that many fans come to practice and watch us and just to see the players. If I was a young guy and there were two teams practicing in my hometown, I’d probably come to and ask for a stick like they did. They almost took my helmet off my head. It was fun and I really enjoyed it.”
While Florida dropped the first game, 4-2, it flipped the script the following day, finishing the trip on a high note with a 4-2 victory. The Panthers received an unexpected lift prior to the second game as starting goalie Roberto Luongo made his return to the ice after injuring his knee in the season opener. The 39 year old provided a much-needed spark, notching 32 saves in the win.
“I was eager to get back in the lineup,” Luongo said. “I was aiming more toward next week, but I’ve been feeling really good in practice the last few days.”
Luongo circled his calendar when the the NHL Global Series schedule was
released, and was thrilled to be able to participate.
“I was looking forward to the two-game set when the schedule came out. Once I got injured, they said twoto-four weeks and this was right about the four-week mark. This was obviously something was in my aim, but wasn’t quite sure. I’m a little bit older and it takes longer to recover but I was happy I was able to play one of the games.”
Luongo’s return is pivotal for a Panthers team that’s struggled through the first five weeks of the season. Florida sits tied for last in the NHL with just nine points (3-5-3), but the goalie’s return could potentially provide a turning point for the squad.
“You guys all saw it — how good of a goalie he is,” Barkov said. “When we get that type of goalie like Luongo back in the net — it’s not only on the ice, it’s in the locker room, too. He gives us a lot confidence. He’s telling us what to do and talks a lot on the ice and off the ice.”
While the Panthers have returned home, last week’s trip will be one not soon forgotten.
“It’s one of those things I’ll never forget,” said Keith Yandle. “The fans were unbelievable. Meeting people in the streets, talking to people. It was just an amazing time with how friendly everybody is. It shouldn’t surprise [because] every Finnish guy I’ve played with has been an amazing guy. It’s been a lot of fun.”