After being kept off the score sheet since Nov. 24, Gustav Forsling scored again as the Florida Panthers defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Forsling scored in the 3-1 goal with a powerful strike at the start of the third period, a goal that proved to be the match-decider for the visitors.
– I just tried to shoot as hard as I could and hoped it would go in, Forsling told the media afterwards. It went the way. I’m happy that we got to play in the lead this game and were able to control the game at the end.
The goal was just the second this season for Forsling, who has scored at least ten goals per season since joining the Panthers in 2020-21. Forsling’s game, despite the lower production so far during the season, is valued highly by coach Paul Maurice, who averaged 21:59 minutes per match against the Swede.
– Just like many other players in our team, he puts the defensive work first, but he can really shoot the puck, he says of Forsling. He does not take unnecessary risks and always makes wise decisions on the ice. He is also very important for us in numerical disadvantage where with his speed he can match the opposition’s best player.
Overall, this season Forsling has accounted for 16 points (2+14) in 44 games played. His best season so far in terms of points in his career was 2022-23 when he scored 41 points (13+28) in 82 games.
Florida plays again on Monday when the Buffalo Sabers provide the opposition at Keybank Center. The match will be shown directly on Viaplay starting at 01:00 Swedish time.
