EKBLAD EASES PAST SVEHLA

With an assist on Sam Reinhart’s empty net goal, Aaron Ekblad passed Robert Svehla (229) for the most assists by a defenseman to that point in franchise history. The goal put the cap on a 5-3 win for the Panthers on the road against the New Jersey Devils. Ekblad’s first assist, which came in his first NHL game in 2014, was also on a 3rd period goal that tied a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. “It’s been a fun 10 years here now in Florida and I love it. I have a lot of pride in the jersey and like to think that I showed it every single night. It obviously feels great but you know there’s a lot more to work on.”