Panthers’ Black Set for Record-Setting First Start
Cooper Black was set to make his NHL debut for Florida in Pittsburgh and become the tallest goaltender in league history at 6-foot-9. He was called up after Jacob Markstrom was ruled out for one to two weeks with an upper-body injury. Coach Paul Maurice said he would leave Black’s first-game preparation to goaltending coach Robbie Tallas.
Black, 25, joined Florida in 2024 after playing at Dartmouth and going undrafted; he signed a two-year, two-way extension in June. With Charlotte this season, he is 2-1-0 with a 2.67 goals-against average and .919 save percentage, including 33 saves Saturday against Hartford.
Florida recalled him Tuesday after Jacob Markstrom suffered an upper-body injury in practice and was ruled out one to two weeks. Akira Schmid started Wednesday’s 5-1 loss at Ottawa while Black backed up. The Pittsburgh game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at PPG Paints Arena.
Black’s debut may draw extra attention from casual fans and young goalies because his height makes him a visible outlier, potentially reinforcing interest in size and development pathways. For the Panthers, a strong first showing could ease concerns while Markstrom is sidelined and affect how the team manages its goaltending depth. For Black, the game could shape short-term opportunity and public perception, though one start is unlikely to define his career.