ORLANDO – Giving a mix of prospects and newcomers a chance to make one last impression, the Florida Panthers kicked their final road trip of the preseason with a 3-2 loss to the rival Tampa Bay Lightning in a neutral-site matchup at Kia Center on Tuesday.

With just two exhibition games remaining -- both against Tampa Bay -- before the regular season begins, the Panthers are expected to roll with veteran lineups the rest of the way as the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions prepare to begin yet another quest for the Cup.

“I thought they played their butts off,” head coach Paul Maurice said of the team’s prospects. “I was really happy with that. The things that the fans never get is to hear the bench. We’re at the end of camp now, but they’re coming together. They’re cheering for each othe

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