3 major takeaways from Florida Panthers' 8-2 preseason loss vs Carolina Hurricanes

Things didn't go according to plan for the Florida Panthers on Friday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, who pounded them into submission thanks to an 8-2 final score from Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Seth Jarvis scored twice for the Hurricanes, who also got goals from captain Jordan Staal, Andrei Svechnikov and William Carrier, the latter of whom was signed during the offseason from the Vegas Golden Knights.

Goaltender Frederik Andersen had a relatively routine night between the pipes, making 15 saves on 17 shots. Meanwhile, Panthers goaltender Spencer Knights didn't have much help in front of him; he made 14 saves on the 20 shots he faced before being replaced for the 3rd period by Cooper Black.

Here's a closer look at three major takeaways from Florida's 8-2 preseason loss to Carolina.

3 major takeaways from Florida Panthers' 8-2 preseason loss vs Carolina Hurricanes

#1. Florida's young players handily beaten by Carolina's regular players

The Panthers didn't skate any regular roster players, while the Hurricanes featured several of their top scorers from last season.

While the final score wasn't surprising given the talent disparity in the rosters between the two teams, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice appreciated that his prospects got some valuable experience (via NHL.com):

"You want them to compete hard and I think that's probably the way that game should look," Maurice said postgame. "They're on you pretty good. I think what you see, when you get to day nine and ten at training camp and we run a heavy camp, there's almost a break, right? The guys have pushed so hard and they're all short-legged out there, but it's great there's guys that are able to push through."

#2. Forward Oliver Okuliar scores first unofficial goal

Currently looking to secure a regular spot in the NHL, Okuliar was the first Panthers player to score on Friday night as he deflected a shot past Andersen.

"It was a tough game, but for me a new experience," Okuliar said. "I have never play against NHL players, but it was a really good experience."

Last season, playing with Mountfield HK of the Czech Extraliga, he scored 24 goals with 21 assists in 52 games.

#3. Defenseman Mike Benning demonstrates poise

Among Florida's young players attempting to stake their claim on a full-time roster spot is defenseman Mike Benning, who broke up a 2-on-1 opportunity between Svechnikov and Martin Necas, two of Carolina's more gifted regular roster players.

"I was just trying to stick to the systems," Benning said. "We didn't get the win, but I think there's always positives to take out of a game."

The Panthers and Hurricanes will renew acquaintances with a rematch in Florida on Saturday night.