FHN Daily: Florida Panthers prospect gets ECHL honor

There are a few members of the Florida Panthers still playing these days — including prospects with the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits. 

If you are in the mood to see some live hockey before summer hits, the Swamp Rabbits are in Estero to start a three-game series against the Florida Everblades.

Games are tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:30. Good times at the Everblades games — and it’s only a 90-minute drive from BB&T Center across the alley.

Anyway, Greenville defenseman Ben Finkelstein was named the ECHL Rookie of the Month for May on Wednesday.

Finkelstein, a seventh-round pick of the Panthers in 2016 who was a teammate of Spencer Knight at Boston College, missed 29 games due to injury.

He returned on April 30 and led all ECHL rookies in scoring during May with 15 points (eight goals, seven assists). Finkelstein also recorded points in 12 consecutive games from May 2-28.

Despite his point streak ending on May 29 against Jacksonville, Finkelstein got the game-winning shootout goal on his first professional attempt.

So, congrats to Ben — and on to today’s FHN Daily.

FLORIDA PANTHERS LINKS

We are having a pretty cool giveaway at FHN to you, our loyal and most appreciated subscribers.

We have a box of 2020-21 Upper Deck Artifacts cards and all the Florida Panthers cards which are pulled will go to one lucky subscriber.

To enter, just click on the link and comment on the giveaway post. One winner will be selected. You have to enter by June 6. Good luck! (FHN Giveaway — comment on this post)

— Not a subscriber to Florida Hockey Now yet? What are you waiting for? (FHN)

— Florida GM Bill Zito spoke to the media on Wednesday; we’ll have the complete breakdown of his comments published on Thursday morning. 

— Vincent Trocheck was hurt against the Lightning last night — and Rod Brind’Amour says it doesn’t look good. (Raleigh News-Observer) 

AROUND THE NHL

Sidney Crosby is one of three finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award. (PHN)

— Grading the Penguins. (PHN)

— Here is how the Avs will lineup against the Knights in Game 2. (CHN)

— Phillip Danault and Brendan Gallagher gave Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs fits. That’s why the Caadiens are in Winnipeg for Game 1 of the second round tonight. (Montreal Gazette)

— Marc-Andre Fleury is thrilled to be a Vezina finalist. (VHN)

— Would the Leafs think of trading Mitch Marner? (Sportsnet)

— The Islanders will likely go with the same lineup for Game 3. (NYIHN)

— The Bruins are looking for some improvements going into Game 3. (BHN)

— The NHL Draft Lottery is tonight. The expansion Seattle Kraken has the third-best shot to grab the top pick. (NHL)

LOCALS ONLY

Remember the Miami Arena?

Of course you do.

The Miami Herald looks back at the old pink hatbox in Overtown with stories from an earlier time. Grab your rubber rats and toss them at your monitor. (Miami Herald)

— The Miami Hurricanes are headed to Gainesville for their NCAA baseball regional. (MH)

— The Marlins got some Jazz back in their lineup but it wasn’t enough as the Buffalo Blue Jays got the win Tuesday night. (MH)

— Were expectations too high for Tyler Herro after the bubble? Ask Ira! (Sentinel)