We knew that the Florida Panthers were up against it merely attempting to win a third-straight Cup, or even getting to a fourth-straight Final. There’s a reason no one’s done either in 45 years, in a vastly different league,

The Florida Panthers, already missing three veteran forwards, lost defenseman Dmitry Kulikov for five months after upper-body surgery.

Mason Appleton scored for the second straight game and the Wings won their third straight, beating the Florida Panthers, 4-1.

Cam Talbot made 21 saves, Mason Appleton scored twice and the Detroit Red Wings beat Florida 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Cousins will play at Amerant Bank Arena on Saturday for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup when the Panthers host the Ottawa Senators.

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Spencer Knight was the primary piece the Florida Panthers gave up in a trade last season that brought defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks.