The Florida Panthers are the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, and many believe they have the potential to win a third straight title. However, the team is not currently at full strength. Head coach Paul Maurice was aware of this even before the Panthers’ 4-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night.

Florida suffered a major blow when Aleksander Barkov tore his ACL during training camp. Matthew Tkachuk is still recovering from injuries he played through during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Additionally, Thomas Nosek is out long-term, and the team announced on Wednesday that Dmitry Kulikov will miss five months due to injury.

Despite these setbacks, the Panthers have shown their quality early in the season. They won their first three games before dropping consecutive matches against the Philadelphia Flyers and the Red Wings. This is not a team to count out in the slightest.

At the same time, there is an uneasiness creeping in. Maurice emphasized that there is no arrogance in the locker room. His team understands they won’t simply coast through the season. While he doesn’t sense fear, he admits there is an undefinable feeling present. “That’s part of it,” Maurice said.

Panthers Find Focus Among Injuries

Florida’s talent can still carry them far. Brad Marchand has had an excellent start to the season, Sam Bennett is playing great and is the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and Sergei Bobrovsky remains dialed in despite the team’s recent losses.

However, talent can only take the Panthers so far when so many key players are sidelined. Even for a team this loaded, injuries of such magnitude are challenging to overcome. As a result, each player has to dial in their focus, much like Bobrovsky has done.

Maurice sees his team as focused — as much as they need to be. He hoped this mindset would develop through their offseason work, but admits that “focus out of necessity is still focus.” He explained, “My summer was, how do I get these guys back focused on the hard. Well, the injuries happened. Now everybody’s focused because we need to be.”

Paul Maurice Finds Potential Silver Lining

In a difficult situation filled with challenges, there are very few positives to take away. The Panthers are hurting, and there is concern their injury issues could persist. However, Maurice believes there is at least one silver lining as they look ahead to the playoffs.

“That’s the only thing we get out of this, because we’re going to have to scratch and claw to make the playoffs, because the division is that good,” he said.

Florida’s current standard is to make the playoffs at a minimum. Anything less would be considered a failure, even given the injury situation. It’s an uphill battle, but it’s one the Panthers are prepared to tackle head on.

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