After the Boston Bruins, it’s the turn of the Florida Panthers to come to Quebec to face the Los Angeles Kings.
The reigning Stanley Cup champions will conclude their preparatory schedule at the Videotron Center on Saturday evening, and they are clearly not disappointed to enjoy a little two-day getaway in the Old Capital.
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“It’s going to be very exciting,” said forward Anton Lundell, whose comments were reported by his team’s website. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Quebec City. Everyone who’s been there has said it’s an incredible, beautiful city.”
For his part, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice revealed that his wife was looking forward to his first trip with his players.
“The only time my wife packs is for the first trip away. She can’t wait for me to leave,” he said with a smile after his team’s training on Friday.
“It’s going to be good,” Maurice added. We’re going to be spending a lot of time together on the plane and they [les joueurs] haven’t really had that opportunity yet.”
A small group
Before flying to Quebec, the Panthers cut eight players and thus reduced their squad to 30 hockey players.
“When you find yourself with a smaller group, interactions explode,” emphasized Maurice.
There are now 18 forwards, nine defensemen and three goalkeepers remaining at the Florida club’s camp, including only one Quebecer: forward AJ Greer.
Three first-year players, forwards Sandis Vilmanis, Patrick Giles and Mackie Samoskevich are also making the trip. The last of this list has already had confirmation that he will face the Kings. He will complete a trio with Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen.
For his part, Vilmanis does not yet know if he will step on the ice at the Videotron Center, but the 20-year-old feels privileged to still be with the Panthers.
“It means a lot,” he said. I continue to build on that and playing with these guys still feels like a dream. I learn something new every day and I try to work hard in every practice.”
