The Panthers Podcast Network

Territory Talk: Panthers Paused No More; Catching Up with Carlsson

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Panthers are feeling reinvigorated as they prepare to return from the NHL’s recent pause. On this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Rangers – December 29, 2021

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Panthers will have several key players back in their lineup when they return from a nearly two-week pause to host the Rangers at FLA Live Arena on...

Territory Talk: The ‘No Hockey’ Mailbag

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the NHL taking a brief pause, co-hosts Doug Plagens and Jameson Olive spend this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast opening up the sh...

Territory Talk: Shawn Roarke Talks Panthers, NHL Surprises & More!

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

NHL.com’s Director of Editorial Shawn Roarke joins this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast to share his thoughts on the Panthers, the de...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Senators – December 14, 2021

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After missing the last eight games with a lower-body injury, speedy forward Anthony Duclair is expected to make his triumphant return to the lineup wh...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Avalanche – December 12, 2021

12 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a battle between the two highest-scoring teams in the NHL, the Panthers will look to pick up more points when they close out their road trip agains...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Coyotes – December 10, 2021

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to be a little bit sharper on the road, Panthers will continue their trip with a matchup against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena on Friday. In...

Territory Talk: In the Desert with Sam Bennett

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the inaugural outdoor edition of the Territory Talk podcast, Panthers center Sam Bennett sits down with co-hosts Jameson Olive and Katie Gaus follo...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Blues – December 7, 2021

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After missing the last eight games while recovering from a lower-body injury, Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov will return to the lineup when the te...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Sabres – December 2, 2021

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Riding high after a big come-from-behind win over the Capitals on Tuesday, the Panthers will look to maintain that momentum when they host the Sabres ...

Territory Talk: Cats, Comebacks & More with George Richards

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been less than 24 hours since the Panthers clawed their way back from a three-goal deficit to defeat the Capitals by a score of 5-4 at FLA Live...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Capitals – November 30, 2021

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Already facing off for the third time during the month of November, the Panthers will close out their season series with the Capitals at FLA Live Aren...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Kraken – November 27, 2021

27 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Panthers will look to continue their historically strong start on home ice when they welcome the expansion Kraken to FLA Live Arena for the first ...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Capitals – November 26, 2021

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Heading into their first post-Thanksgiving matchup against the Capitals on Friday at Capital One Arena, the Panthers not only currently occupy first p...

Territory Talk: Cats Keep Pushing; Opening the Mailbag

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There’s certainly a lot to be thankful for if you’re a fan of the Panthers these days. Sitting atop the standings in the Atlantic Division heading...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Flyers – November 24, 2021

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a pre-Thanksgiving appetizer, the Panthers will look to continue their red-hot start on home ice this season when they host the Flyers at FLA Live ...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Wild – November 20, 2021

20 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The first-place Panthers will attempt to stay perfect on home ice when they welcome the Wild to FLA Live Arena on Saturday. In five minutes or less, h...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Devils – November 18, 2021

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sitting in first place in the Atlantic Division with a 11-2-3 record, the Panthers will be looking for a bit of revenge when they host the Devils at F...

Territory Talk: Montour Settling into South Florida

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Making his debut on the Territory Talk podcast, Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour joins this week’s episode to talk about settling into South Flor...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Islanders – November 16, 2021

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Panthers will look to snap out a four-game losing streak and continue their strong start on home ice when they host the Islanders at FLA Live Aren...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Lightning – November 13, 2021

13 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to snap out of a three-game losing streak and end their road trip on a high note, the Panthers will battle the cross-state rival Lightning at ...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Penguins - November 11, 2021

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After missing three games due to an injury, Sergei Bobrovsky will return to the crease when the Panthers continue their road trip against the Penguins...

Territory Talk: A Bit of Everything with Bill Lindsay

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the Panthers off an impressive 10-2-1 start, original Cat and current broadcaster Bill Lindsay stops by this week’s episode of the Territory Ta...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Devils – November 9, 2021

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Less than 24 hours removed from their first regulation loss of the season, the Panthers will look to get right back in the win column when they battle...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Rangers – November 8, 2021

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to match their franchise-record for longest point streak to start a season, the Panthers will attempt to earn at least one point in their 12th...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Hurricanes – November 6, 2021

06 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Off to their best start in franchise history, the Panthers will face their toughest test yet when they host the undefeated Hurricanes at FLA Live Aren...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Capitals – November 4, 2021

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a feel-good moment for all of South Florida, Pembroke Pines native Chase Priskie will make his long-awaited NHL debut when the Panthers host the Ca...

Territory Talk: Connauton Talks Career, Playing for the Cats & More!

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After turning his time on the taxi squad into a new contract with the Panthers, Kevin Connauton is now manning the blue line for one of the hottest te...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Bruins - October 27, 2021

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Off to their best start in franchise history, the Panthers will look to extend their season-opening winning streak to seven games when they host the B...

Territory Talk: Compton Talks Cats Hot Start, Early NHL Storylines

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the Panthers stringing together six straight victories to open up their 2021-22 campaign, NHL.com deputy managing editor Brian Compton joins this...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Coyotes - October 25, 2021

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With a chance to extend their franchise-record winning streak to start the season to six games, the Panthers will welcome the Coyotes to FLA Live Aren...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Flyers - October 23, 2021

23 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for their fifth straight win to start the season, the Panthers won’t make any lineup changes heading into their matchup against the Flyers a...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Avalanche - October 21, 2021

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Off to a 3-0-0 start and tied for first place in the Atlantic Division, the Panthers will look to stay perfect when they welcome the Avalanche to FLA ...

Territory Talk: Weegar Talks Hot Start, Gifted Rookies, Flow & More!

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the Panthers off to a strong 3-0-0 start to their 2021-22 campaign, defenseman MacKenzie Weegar joins this week’s episode of the Territory Talk...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Lightning - October 19, 2021

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the first of four head-to-head matchups they’ll have with their cross-state rivals this season, the Panthers will turn to rookie goaltender Spenc...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Islanders - October 16, 2021

16 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh off a thrilling come-from-behind win in their season-opener, the Panthers will look to make it two in a row when they host the Islanders at FLA ...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Penguins - October 14, 2021

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With expectations higher than ever both internally and externally, the Panthers will officially kick off their 2021-22 campaign with a battle against ...

Territory Talk: Chatting with Bill Zito; Annual Season Predictions

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the Panthers set to open up their 2021-22 season on Thursday against the Penguins at FLA Live Arena, general manager Bill Zito joined this week’...

Territory Talk: Rivalry Renewed; Preseason Thoughts

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Even though it was only the preseason, the first battle between the Panthers and Lightning was one that fans won’t soon forget. On this week’s epi...

Territory Talk: Reinhart Talks South Florida, Soccer & More!

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone knows part of becoming a Panther is joining the Territory Talk podcast! On this week’s episode, Sam Reinhart joins the show to talk about s...

Territory Talk: It’s Time for Training Camp

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Panthers are officially back in action! Following the organization’s annual Media Day on Wednesday, players hit the ice at FLA Live Arena for th...

Territory Talk: D-Camp Observations & Prospect Interviews

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With a few days of practice in the books and a tournament on the horizon, co-hosts Doug Plagens, Jameson Olive and Katie Gaus spend this week’s epis...

Territory Talk: D-Camp Preview; Lundell’s 1st Pitch

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the Panthers preparing to open up their development camp at the Panthers IceDen, co-hosts Doug Plagens and Jameson Olive spend this week’s epis...

Territory Talk: Checking in with the AP’s Tim Reynolds

02 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With training camp on the horizon, Tim Reynolds from the Associated Press joins this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast to talk all things...

Territory Talk: An Offseason Chat with Bill Lindsay

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Original Panther and current broadcaster Bill Lindsay joins this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast to discuss the state of the franchise ...

Territory Talk: Thornton is a Panther, Fantasy Tips with Jensen & More!

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the 2021-22 season fast approaching, NHL.com senior fantasy editor Pete Jensen joins this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast to talk ...

Territory Talk: ‘FLA Athlete’ D’Eriq King Talks NIL, Panthers & More!

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh off becoming the first-ever “FLA Athlete,” quarterback D’Eriq King joins this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast to discuss hi...

Territory Talk: Opening the Panthers Offseason Mailbag

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the offseason starting to wind down and the 2021-22 campaign fast approaching, co-hosts Doug Plagens and Jameson Olive open up their Panthers mai...

Territory Talk: Bennett Joins the Show; Recapping Recent Moves

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Panthers have been busy! From trading for Sam Reinhart to re-signing several core and depth players, co-hosts Jameson Olive and Katie Gaus take a ...

Territory Talk: 2021 NHL Draft Chatter; NFTs, NIL & More with Sam Doerr

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a busy week in South Florida! On this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast, co-hosts Doug Plagens, Jameson Olive and Katie Gaus break...

Territory Talk: Chychrun Talks Draft Memories, Cottage Life & More!

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Having gone through the event both as a player and a father, former NHL defensemen and current Bally Sports Florida broadcaster Jeff Chychrun joins th...

Territory Talk: Malloy Talks 2021 NHL Draft, EA Sports Ratings & More!

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the 2021 NHL Draft coming up later this month, author and host of Hockey Prospect Radio Shane Malloy joins this week’s episode of the Territory...

Panthers Pipeline: Cole Schwindt Talks Taxi Squad, Scott Wilson’s Wisdom & More!

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After getting his first taste of professional hockey this past season, forward Cole Schwindt joins the Panthers Pipeline podcast to discuss what he le...

Territory Talk: Jovanovski Talks Local Buzz, Panthers D-Men & More!

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On the latest episode of the Territory Talk podcast, former Panthers defenseman and current Bally Sports Florida analyst Ed Jovanovski joins the show ...

Territory Talk: Kiersted Talks Offseason, Lessons Learned & More!

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After making his NHL debut and suiting up in seven games with the Panthers during the 2020-21 season, Matt Kiersted is hungrier than ever to take the ...

Territory Talk: Favorite Memories from the 2020-21 Season

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Taking one final look back at the 2020-21 season, co-hosts Doug Plagens and Jameson Olive share some of their favorite memories from what proved to be...

Territory Talk: Lundell Excited to 'Take the Next Step' with Panthers

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Only a few days removed from signing his three-year, entry-level contract with the Panthers, 2020 first-round pick Anton Lundell joins this week’s e...

Territory Talk: Wrapping Things Up with George Richards

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Longtime Panthers reporter George Richards from Florida Hockey Now joins this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast to discuss the team’s r...

Territory Talk: Panthers 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs Recap

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Panthers are heading home with their heads held high after being knocked out in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 4-0 loss to the...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Lightning - May 26, 2021 (Playoffs)

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to force a decisive Game 7 in their heated first-round series of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Panthers will once again turn to rookie goalten...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Lightning - May 24, 2021 (Playoffs)

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Needing a win to stay alive in their best-of-seven playoff series, the Panthers will look to get a big boost from their home crowd when they battle th...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Lightning - May 22, 2021 (Playoffs)

22 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Following an epic comeback to claim Game 3 in overtime on Thursday, the Panthers will now look to pull even with the Lightning in their first-round pl...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Lightning - May 20, 2021 (Playoffs)

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to bounce back after the dropping the first two games of their playoff series at home, the Panthers will visit the cross-state rival Lightning...

Territory Talk: The AP’s Tim Reynolds Talks Panthers, Playoffs & More!

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Edged out just barely by the Lightning in the first two games of their first-round series of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Sunrise, the Panthers, who ar...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Lightning - May 18, 2021 (Playoffs)

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After a strong regular season, Chris Driedger will get the nod in net when the Panthers attempt to pull even with the cross-state rival Lightning in G...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Lightning - May 16, 2021 (Playoffs)

16 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Sunshine State showdown has finally arrived! In a series nearly 30 years in the making, the Panthers and Lightning will finally meet for the first...

Territory Talk: Tippett Talks Playoffs, Progress, Flow & More!

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The wait is finally over! After nearly 30 years, the Panthers and Lightning are finally going to meet in the playoffs. On this week’s episode of the...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Lightning - May 10, 2021

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to claim home-ice advantage in their upcoming playoff matchup, the Panthers will close out their regular season against the Lightning at BB&T ...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Lightning - May 8, 2021

08 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to gain an edge heading into their first-ever playoff series, the Panthers will open up a two-game set with the intrastate rival Lightning at ...

Panthers Pipeline: Max Gildon Talks 1st AHL Season, Texas Hockey & More!

08 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On the inaugural episode of the Panthers Pipeline Podcast, defenseman Max Gildon joins the show to talk about his first season in the AHL, being the l...

Territory Talk: Burns Talks Lightning, Battle for Florida & More!

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a potential playoff preview, the Panthers will close out their regular season with a two-game set against the Lightning at BB&T Center. On this wee...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Stars - May 3, 2021

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Still jockeying for position heading into the playoffs, the Panthers will look to pick up another big two points when they close the book on their sea...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Blackhawks - May 1, 2021

01 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the playoffs looming, the Panthers will attempt to end their final road trip of the regular season on a high note when they close out their two-g...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Blackhawks - April 29, 2021

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Already locked into a playoff spot, the Panthers will turn to rookie goaltender Spencer Knight when they open up a two-game series against the Blackha...

Territory Talk: Vatrano Talks Clinching, Clutch Goals & More!

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Panthers are heading to the playoffs! Fresh off scoring the game-winning goal during Tuesday’s 7-4 win in Nashville, Frank Vatrano joins this we...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Predators - April 27, 2021

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Able to punch their ticket to the postseason with a win tonight, the Panthers will wrap up both a back-to-back set and their season series with the Pr...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Predators - April 26, 2021

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With a chance to punch their ticket to the postseason for just the seventh time in franchise history, the Panthers will kick off a back-to-back set wi...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Hurricanes - April 24, 2021

24 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Joel Quenneville wants to see the Panthers end things “on a different note” when they close out their season series with the Hurricanes at BB&T Ce...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Hurricanes - April 22, 2021

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In their biggest game of the season to date, the Panthers will look to claim sole possession of first place in the Central Division when they kick off...

Territory Talk: New Panthers Fitting In; Hurricanes Talk with Sara Civian

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the fight for first place in the Central Division coming down to the wire, the Panthers will open up a crucial two-game set with the Hurricanes a...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Blue Jackets - April 20, 2021

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Expected to make his NHL debut, highly-touted goaltending prospect Spencer Knight will lead the Panthers onto the ice when they close out their season...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Blue Jackets - April 19, 2021

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After taking three out of four points from the rival Lightning in Tampa Bay, the Panthers will look to build off a strong finish to their road trip wh...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Lightning - April 17, 2021

17 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Acquired at the trade deadline, Sam Bennett will make his debut when the Panthers close out their six-game road trip with a matchup against the rival ...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Lightning - April 15, 2021

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Playing in front of a national audience on NBC Sports Network, the Panthers are expected to get a boost from a few new faces when they battle the riva...

Territory Talk: Trade Deadline Reactions; Baptist Health’s Dr. Yagnik

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the NHL's trade deadline in the rearview, the Panthers are now locked in and ready to make their final push towards the postseason. On this week’...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Stars - April 13, 2021

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After sitting out the last six games with an upper-body injury, Anthony Duclair will return to the lineup when the Panthers battle the Stars at Americ...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Hurricanes - April 8, 2021

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the playoff race heating up, the top spot in the Central Division will be on the line when the Panthers close out their two-game series with the ...

Territory Talk: Bobrovsky Talks Career Path, Milestones & More!

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With more than 500 NHL games under his belt, Sergei Bobrovsky joins this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast to discuss his latest mileston...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Hurricanes - April 6, 2021

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sitting in first place in the Central Division, the Panthers will attempt to extend their season-long winning streak to seven games when they kick off...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Blue Jackets - April 4, 2021

04 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Panthers will look to extend their season-long winning streak to six games when they wrap up a back-to-back set with the Blue Jackets on Sunday at...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Blue Jackets - April 3, 2021

03 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the Panthers looking to extend their winning streak to a season-long five games, Aleksander Barkov and Patric Hornqvist will both return to the l...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Red Wings - April 1, 2021

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With a chance to extend their winning streak to four games, red-hot forward Carter Verhaeghe will lead the Panthers into action against the Red Wings ...

Territory Talk: George Richards Talks Verhaeghe, Resiliency & More!

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the Panthers chasing a division crown as the final month of the season approaches, Florida Hockey Now’s George Richards joins this week’s epi...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers vs. Red Wings - March 30, 2021

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With Aaron Ekblad expected to miss 12 weeks after undergoing successful surgery on Monday, Gustav Forsling will move into his spot on the blue line al...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Stars - March 28, 2021

28 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Coming off a wild 4-3 win in overtime on Saturday, the Panthers will look to pick up another big two points when they wrap up a back-to-back set with ...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Stars - March 27, 2021

27 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With Aleksander Barkov and Patric Hornqvist out of the lineup due to injury, the Panthers will look to snap out of a three-game losing streak when the...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Blackhawks - March 25, 2021

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With captain Aleksander Barkov nursing an injury and out of the lineup, the Panthers will look to come together and produce a strong effort against th...

Territory Talk: Forsling Finding a Home with the Panthers

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A huge pre-season addition by way of the waiver wire, defenseman Gustav Forsling joins this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast to discuss ...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Blackhawks - March 23, 2021

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Panthers will look to improve to 10-0-1 after losses and 5-0-0 against the Blackhawks this season when they kick off a two-game series at United C...

5-Minute Morning Skate: Panthers at Lightning - March 21, 2021

21 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a battle between the top-two teams in the Central Division, the Panthers will kick off a five-game road trip with a matchup against the defending S...