Ex-Panthers haunt team in loss to Golden Knights

The Florida Panthers were bitten by a couple of familiar faces Sunday.

In Las Vegas for their first-ever contest against the Golden Knights, the Panthers lined up against old teammates Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault, both of whom were sent to Sin City in connection to the expansion draft.

Parting with Marchessault was an odd move for Florida, considering he netted 30 goals last season at an affordable cap hit of $750,000. His availability in the draft made more sense when it was reported that the Panthers left their leading-goal scorer on the table on the condition that Vegas also acquired Smith.

Florida was prepared to move on from Smith and his five-year, $25-million contract after he struggled to a 37-point finish last season. The Panthers received a fourth-round draft pick in return.

A few months later, both Smith and Marchessault have been key contributors for the Golden Knights. One reason for their success has been their familiarity with bench boss Gerard Gallant, who also coached them as Panthers prior to his unceremonious firing last year.

All three ex-Cats got the last laugh Sunday as the Golden Knights defeated the Panthers 5-2. Marchessault led the way with a goal and two assists, while Smith picked up two helpers of his own.

The victory gave Gallant and the Golden Knights 44 points on the season, good for fourth-best in the league.

As for the Panthers, Sunday's loss marked their third consecutive defeat. The team's collected 29 points in 33 games, ahead of only the lowly Buffalo Sabres and Arizona Coyotes.

The Panthers will have the opportunity to revenge Sunday's score when the two sides meet again in Sunrise in January.

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