Training camp practices resumed for the Florida Panthers at the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday.
Florida is preparing for its final two preseason games, which take place Wednesday night in Tampa and Saturday in Quebec City against the Los Angeles Kings.
Young forward Mackie Samoskevich, who has been battling an upper-body injury, was back on the ice with the main group.
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He was wearing a gold, non-contact jersey but skated mostly on Florida’s third line next to Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen.
While the Panthers are going to keep Samoskevich out of Wednesday’s game, there is a chance that he’ll play in the preseason finale, barring any setbacks.
“We’ll get through today and see how he manages that,” said Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice. “We’re shooting for the weekend game.”
Entering camp, Samoskevich was viewed as a potential option on that Lundell line, but his recovery over the past couple weeks has kept him from taking many reps with the NHL guys.
We’ll see if he can give it a good push during the final week of training camp.
“It looked like he got through (Tuesday’s practice) just fine,” Maurice said. “I don’t think there’s going to be an issue.”
Missing from practice was forward Evan Rodrigues, who left Monday’s preseason matchup against the Lightning during the second period with an undisclosed injury.
Maurice said his absence was precautionary and that there wasn’t any concern moving forward.
“We know it’s not long-term,” Maurice said, adding that Rodrigues may be in the lineup on Saturday and that he wasn’t scheduled to play in Wednesday’s game regardless of the injury.
“He’s going to be healed by the time he gets back on the ice,” Maurice added with a smile.
Rodrigues has been penciled in as Florida’s second line left wing, next to Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk.
Having both he and Smoskevich at full strength for Opening Night will be key, as they could each be counted on in a key role in Florida’s middle six.
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