Forsling wins it in overtime as Markstrom, Bussi shine in 1-0 opener

Fantasy hockey: Forsling's overtime winner caps a normal night for his production; Bussi's solid work earns no points; Barkov's return brings three games this week.

By Fantasy Roundup Staff · September 30, 2026 · Updated October 1, 2026

Gustav Forsling scored the overtime winner with 4.3 seconds left on Tuesday, September 29, as Florida beat Carolina 1-0 in the season opener. Forsling finished with 1 goal and 2 shots in 22:40, while Brandon Bussi made 19 saves on 20 shots in the overtime loss.

The bigger story for Panthers managers is the return of Aleksander Barkov from injury, while Forsling's goal and Bussi's solid save rate offer modest fantasy results in a low-scoring opener.

Fantasy impact

Player by player

Gustav Forsling

Forsling scored 1 goal on 2 shots in 22:40 on Tuesday, September 29, in Florida's 1-0 overtime win at Carolina. His one-timer from near the blue line beat Bussi with 4.3 seconds left in overtime to spoil the Hurricanes' banner night. He added 3 hits and 2 blocks.

His recent averages show 0.07 goals, 0.33 assists, 1.8 shots and 22:52 a night. His underlying play grades 64 out of 100 among defensemen, measuring his shot generation, scoring chances and ice time. He logs just 0:37 of power-play time a night. The Panthers have three games left this week, on Thursday, Sunday and Tuesday.

Brandon Bussi

Bussi made 19 saves on 20 shots on Tuesday, September 29, in Carolina's 0-1 overtime loss to Florida at home. He was beaten on Gustav Forsling's one-timer from near the blue line with 4.3 seconds left in overtime. He played 64:55 in the loss.

His recent averages sit at 2.50 goals against and a .893 save percentage across 36 games, with an 89% share of starts. His save quality grades 61 out of 100 among goalies, based on goals saved above expected and high-danger saves. Carolina has three games left this week, on Friday, Saturday and Tuesday.

Aleksander Barkov

Barkov is back in the Panthers lineup after a lengthy injury absence. Florida has three games left this week, on Thursday, Sunday and Tuesday. He did not play in the opener but is available for those three upcoming contests.

His recent averages show 0.31 goals, 0.80 assists, 1.11 points and 2.3 shots a night in 20:20. He held PP1 before the absence, with 3:21 of power-play time a night, most among all Florida skaters. His power-play production averages 0.43 points per game. With the captain back, the Panthers have their top-line center and power-play quarterback available for a busy week.

What to do

• Hold Forsling, whose goal fits his steady but modest offensive output and limited power-play role.

• Hold Bussi, who posted a solid save rate in the opener but faces competition for starts in Carolina's crease.

• Start Barkov in all formats with three games ahead this week and his return to PP1 duties.

• Add Barkov immediately if he somehow reached free agency during his injury absence.

Schedule this week