The Florida Panthers have secured their place in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, achieving their sixth straight postseason appearance. With a 46–29–4 record and 96 points overall, the Panthers, the reigning Stanley Cup winners, are in third place in the Atlantic Division. The team has built significant momentum following consecutive victories in recent outings, and they are eager to extend this winning streak with today’s match against the Buffalo Sabres.
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Nonetheless, one of their key defensemen remains under suspension. Aaron Ekblad was handed a 20-game suspension on March 10, 2025, after breaching the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. The suspension is scheduled to end in the first round of the playoffs, allowing him to be available for Game 3 of that series. And would you believe it? The defenseman is gearing up for his comeback.
On X, Jameson Olive conveyed, “Ekblad said he was in charge of his own on-ice programs, essentially his own coach during his suspension. ‘I’d watch the games, I’d see something Forsy would do, and I’d try to mimic it in practice the next day.’ He said Keith Yandle came and skated with him.” This is certainly encouraging news for the Florida Panthers.
Even with a suspension in place, Ekblad remains eligible to practice on the ice. Nonetheless, the defenseman revealed a fascinating piece of information. Although he is no longer in the competition, he continues to put forth his utmost effort on the ice during practice sessions. And would you believe it? In preparation for the playoffs, Ekblad is attempting to emulate his teammate Gustav Forsling’s performance in the game.
Ekblad said he was in charge of his own on-ice programs, essentially his own coach during his suspension.
"I'd watch the games, I'd see something Forsy would do, and I'd try to mimic it in practice the next day."
He said Keith Yandle came and skated with him.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) April 12, 2025
During the suspension, the defenseman was accompanied by Keith Yandle, who spent five seasons in the Florida camp. It appears that he is undoubtedly making the most of his training efforts! But did you know that the coach of the Panthers just set a new record?
Reaching new heights with the Florida Panthers
On April 10, 2025, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice, with an impressive 27-year coaching career, achieved a significant milestone. He achieved his 915th career victory, surpassing Barry Trotz to secure his position as the third-winningest coach in NHL history.
The team secured a decisive 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings, and in the aftermath, Maurice opened up during the post-game interview, expressing, “Not really, and that’s more my appreciation for things is the whole group here, how much I enjoy sitting in the coach’s office with Bill as well, the equipment guys, the medical guys, and the players for sure. This has been a wholly and completely unexpected level of joy that I find in my job because of the men that are around here. Yeah, maybe at the end, but if I was asked today at the memory, it’s this group. It’s the fun that we’ve had. They work hard. I’m not pulling teeth here to get these guys to play hard work. That makes life really easy.”
The Panthers are showcasing their prowess on the ice, while the coach relishes his experience with the franchise. Additionally, he emphasized his strong rapport with several members of the Panthers, including GM Bill Zito. As the playoffs approach, the team is setting its sights on those crucial matchups.
