The Florida Panthers Newest Additions

Vladimir Tarasenko made his debut on Saturday as a Florida Panther.

Tarasenko, who was acquired from the Ottawa Senators in a trade on Wednesday, scored his first by stealing Jonathan Huberdeau's pass and firing the puck past Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom with a quick wrist shot 23 seconds into the second period.

The Panthers won the game 5-1 against the Calgary Flames.

The Associated Press

“I'm not gonna lie, it's nice,” Tarasenko said.

“It's a relief. It's nice to understand your linemates more, the system and how the team plays and I felt (more) comfortable as the game goes on and I'm not gonna lie, it feels nice.”

The Associated Press

Tarasenko had a great start tonight and his teammates think so as well:

“I think everyone knows how special of a player he is,” said Aleksander Barkov, who was assisted by Tarasenko on his second-period goal that gave the Panthers a 2-1 lead.

“He has been in the league for (13) years now and every year he's been one of the highest goal scorers. He makes plays, he scores goals, he has an unreal shot. So to have that type of guy on the ice is always dangerous and I like playing with him. So I'm trying to get the puck to him and trying to get open.”

@FLaPanthersPR

The Panthers have been on fire all season. With their new additions to the team from the major moves they made before the NHL trade deadline they are looking to be Cup contenders.

They acquired forward Kyle Okposo from the Buffalo Sabres, defenseman Tobais Bjornfot, from the Vegas Golden Knights, goaltender Magnus Hellberg from the Pittsburgh Penguins and of course Vladimir Tarasenko from the Ottawa Senators.

The Panthers will hopefully continue on their winning streak going to play the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night.

Vladimir Tarasenko scores first 2 goals as a Panther, Florida beats Calgary 5-1 (msn.com)