The Florida Panthers will adjust their lineup as rookie forward Mackie Samoskevich sits out against the Chicago Blackhawks due to illness. His absence allows Jonah Gadjovich, returning from an upper-body injury, to rejoin the fourth line. Coach Paul Maurice emphasized Gadjovich's physical presence, which is considered crucial for the team’s gameplay strategy. With Samoskevich sidelined, Evan Rodrigues will be elevated to the second line. The Panthers maintain a consistent defensive structure and seek to build on recent performances as they prepare for the upcoming match.
"It's good to have him back in," Maurice said of Gadjovich. "He's been here now long enough that he's more comfortable on the bench, talking and chirping, and he's certainly well respected around the league. Very, very clean player, but very physical. So little bit of that physicality on that line will be important to us. It'll keep us hopefully out of the puck game and keep us into the physical game."
Samoskevich has 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 47 games this season.
Jonah Gadjovich, who hasn't played since Dec. 20 while tending to an upper-body injury, will draw into the lineup in Samoskevich's place.
Gadjovich will take his customary spot as a winger on the fourth line along with fellow winger A.J. Greer and center Tomas Nosek.
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