Ekman-Larsson’s Lightning-fast Goal Propels Panthers Past Bedard’s Blackhawks

Oliver Ekman-Larsson displayed his scoring abilities for the Florida Panthers, giving them an early 1-0 lead over Connor Bedard’s Chicago Blackhawks in just 39 seconds. Sam Bennett won a crucial faceoff against Jason Dickinson, setting up Ekman-Larsson for his fourth goal of the season, with assists from Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues. “OEL,” a skilled Swedish defenseman, has contributed significantly to the Panthers in the NHL, accumulating 13 games, three goals, four assists, and an average ice time of 23 minutes and 44 seconds in the 2023-24 season. His impact on the team’s defense and offense positions him as a player to watch in the ongoing NHL season.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s NHL career began with Tingsryds AIF and Leksands IF in the HockeyAllsvenskan before being drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He signed an entry-level contract in 2010 and excelled with milestones like scoring his first NHL point in October 2010 and his inaugural NHL goal in January 2011. With the Coyotes, he achieved notable feats, such as his 100th NHL career point in 2014 and signing an eight-year, $66 million contract extension in 2018, then being named captain. Subsequently traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2021, he found a new home with the Florida Panthers in July 2023, bringing a wealth of experience and defensive prowess for the ongoing NHL season.