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Paul Maurice attributes Florida Panthers' season opening win to two major entities
The Florida Panthers began their season with a 6-4 victory against the Boston Bruins at Amerant Bank Arena. They raised their Stanley Cup championship banner and celebrated with fans.
Head coach Paul Maurice thanked the fans for their energy, saying:
“You like to think you know what you’re going to look like in the opening game, but you never do. That’s what keeps you awake the night before the first game, and then we looked right and fast. We were quick. Our gap was good.
"We skated very well. It was the banner, for sure, but it was actually the fans. That was wired. A great buzz,” (via NHL.com)
Here's the video of the Florida Panthers raising their Stanley Cup championship banner:
Maurice also reflected on the game and recognized the players' hard work and the fans' support.
“They (the players) work hard. That’s not the coach. Maybe the first camp it was, but they work hard. They’re on each other in practice and they’re in the weight room and they drive hard. We have a lot of confidence in the pace of our game," Maurice added.
The Panthers showed they were ready to defend their title from the start. They held the Bruins without a shot for the first 4:46. Sam Bennett scored the first goal by tapping in a shot from Evan Rodrigues. Eetu Luostarinen quickly added another goal, making it 2-0.
Maurice stressed quick skating and strong gaps, and the players executed well.
Sam Bennett's emotional reaction to Florida Panthers' season opener win
Matthew Tkachuk drew penalties, increasing the physical play. The Florida Panthers lost Adam Boqvist to injury early, but their depth showed. Pavel Zacha scored a shorthanded goal for the Bruins, cutting the lead to 2-1. Sam Reinhart quickly answered with a goal, pushing the lead back to two. Bennett later scored again, making it 4-1.
“It’s an emotional start to the season,” Bennett said. “Seeing that banner going up, shoulder to shoulder with all the guys, was a special moment. I think it definitely gave us a little juice to start the season off.”
Jonah Gadjovich added another goal for the Panthers, showing the strength of their new fourth line. Gadjovich also praised their teamwork and expressed hope for continued success.
The Bruins fought back with goals from Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak. However, the Panthers kept their lead. Evan Rodrigues mentioned:
“That’s the style we like to play and the type of hockey we like to play.”
The Florida Panthers are excited about their upcoming road trip and eager to build on this successful start.
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