It has been three months since Vitek Vanecek won a game in the NHL. Yet, the Florida Panthers had so much confidence in him that, the same day they traded for him, he was already filled in as Saturday’s starter against the Sabres.

Joining hometown club

Vanecek becomes the third goaltender in Panthers history to log a shutout in his franchise debut. The others: Chris Driedger against the Nashville Predators on Nov. 30, 2019, and Jose Theodore against the New York Islanders on Oct. 8, 2011.

Following the important victory of the Florida Panthers over the Buffalo Sabres, HC Paul Maurice made it clear that nothing is easy in this NHL season.