Fight for few roster spots intensifies as Panthers face Lightning for third time this preseason

The Florida Panthers will hit the road for their final two games of the preseason, starting on Wednesday night in Tampa.

Florida is expected to bring a roster of mostly young and AHL players to Amalie Arena, with the few NHL battles getting much of the spotlight.

This game will be the final opportunity for many of the non-NHL regulars to make an impression on the Panthers coaching staff and front office.

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Florida is expected to make a “fairly significant” roster trimming on Thursday, according to Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice.

The roster battle that many have been keeping a close eye on is for Florida’s fourth line center spot.

An upper-body injury suffered by Tomas Nosek during Florida’s preseason-opening doubleheader created an opportunity for someone to step up, and so far, it’s been Patrick Giles seeing quite a bit of ice time.

Giles, 24, has been with the Panthers organization for the past several years after going undrafted out of Boston College.

Both he and Jesper Boqvist are expected to see time at center on Wednesday as Florida’s coaching staff continues to evaluate their options.

They skated on a line with Jonah Gadjovich during Tuesday’s practice in Fort Lauderdale.

Wednesday will be the third and final meeting between the Cats and Bolts during the preseason.

So far, Tampa has picked up a pair of wins over the Panthers, outscoring Florida 11-8

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