Panthers share true thoughts on Red Wings' Vladimir Tarasenko ahead of return to Florida
Tonight marks the return of Vladimir Tarasenko to Florida for the 1st time since he helped them win the Stanley Cup last year.
Following their 1st loss since December 27, the Detroit Red Wings are hoping to begin a new winning streak when they begin their 4-game road trip with a matchup against the divisional foe Florida Panthers (7:00 PM, FanDuel Sports Detroit, 97.1 The Ticket).
It will also be the return of Vladimir Tarasenko to Florida since he helped them win the Stanley Cup last year; he was acquired via trade from the Ottawa Senators for Florida's stretch run that resulted in the 1st championship for the franchise.
Tarasenko, who signed a 2-year contract with the Red Wings over the summer, was a valuable component to Florida's title success as Panthers captain Aleksandar Barkov noted earlier today.
He has been in the Cup Finals, had won the Cup, and he brought that veteran leadership to us. It was fun to watch him in practices and games in how hard he shot the puck. He was an unbelievable teammate. He brought everything to us. It will be fun to see him tonight.
Coach Paul Maurice, who had coached Florida to the Cup Final the previous year as well, appreciated what Tarasenko brought to the club during his brief time wearing the Panthers sweater.
He was a great mentor. Vladi loves the game, loves to talk hockey, is completely immersed in it. We moved him around, played him in a bunch of different places and then he found his home with Luostarinen and Lundell.
He was constantly on the bench, talking about plays. It was great for those two guys to have a veteran guy with a very high hockey IQ engaging them in the game. And, he scored some pretty big goals.
Tarasenko is coming off a 2-goal performance during the Red Wings loss to the Sharks; he had previously gone 18 games without scoring.
The Red Wings hope that his offensive outburst on Tuesday can help bolster his confidence and propel him toward providing the secondary scoring that they signed him for.
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JANVIER 16 | 97 ANSWERS Panthers share true thoughts on Red Wings' Vladimir Tarasenko ahead of return to Florida Can Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko build off his 2-goal night on Tuesday and start scoring more consistently? |
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