Panthers’ Vilmanis Leaves Game After Collision with Bruins’ McAvoy

In a recent game against the Boston Bruins, the Florida Panthers faced a setback when forward Sandis Vilmanis exited due to an upper-body injury. The incident occurred after Vilmanis made contact with Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, which resulted in a two-minute minor penalty for an illegal check to the head.

While Vilmanis left the game, McAvoy continued to play despite receiving the hit. This was a pivotal match for both teams as they vied for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Panthers entered the game trailing the Bruins by nine points for the second wild card spot.

Sandis Vilmanis: A Rising Star

Sandis Vilmanis, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, is experiencing his inaugural NHL season. In his debut season, he has played 13 games and scored four career points, which includes two goals and two assists. Additionally, Vilmanis has made a significant impact in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers, contributing 19 points over 31 games.

International Representation and Future Potential

Vilmanis was recently selected for Team Latvia’s roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. His versatility on the ice makes him a valuable asset. Steven Ellis, a Prospect Analyst from Daily Faceoff, emphasized Vilmanis’ potential by stating that he possesses the ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.

• Position: Forward
• 2022 NHL Draft: 5th Round, 157th Overall
• Current Season: 13 NHL games, 2 goals, 2 assists
• AHL Performance: 31 games, 19 points (2 goals, 17 assists)
• Olympic Participation: Team Latvia

During the game, the Panthers managed to secure a victory despite adversity. After the Bruins erased a two-goal deficit in the third period, the match went into overtime. Ultimately, Florida triumphed in the shootout, marked notably by former Bruin Brad Marchand’s crucial fourth-round conversion.

This game marked the Bruins’ final outing before the Olympic break, while the Panthers were heading into a challenging back-to-back against the Tampa Bay Lightning, another fierce competitor in the Atlantic Division.

As Sandis Vilmanis continues to develop in the league, his performance and contributions will be vital for the Panthers as they pursue a playoff spot this season.