Every Thursday, I’ll be discussing 5 different topics that are currently on my mind regarding the state of the Florida Panthers. Lately, injuries have been a major factor for the team and this has forced them to make several adjustments throughout their lineup. That being said, let’s jump right into this week’s 5 Thoughts On Thursday.
1. What to do with Vincent Trocheck
How would the Panthers be able to justify sending Vincent Trocheck down? With four players (Bergenheim, Bolland, Kulikov, and Pirri) returning to the lineup soon, we can assume that Florida’s roster is going to have a major shakeup once these players are ready. Due to his entry level contract, Trocheck is one of the few players that can be sent back down to San Antonio without him being sent through waivers. However, what I don’t get, is how can you send down a 21-year-old center who has 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) in his past 8 games? The Panthers have desperately needed scoring all season and Trocheck’s line with Jokinen and Hayes flanking him has been on fire as of late. Would it be possible for Bolland to come back and have the same production that Trocheck has had lately? It’s doubtful, but anything is possible. An idea I’ve been messing around with lately is moving Bolland to the wing. Historically, Bolland has had struggles with faceoffs and Trocheck is currently 53.8% at the dot this season. Trocheck has also shown an improved two-way game this season and his possession numbers have been climbing. If Bolland were to switch to wing, I could see him slotting in for Hayes on the Jussi/Trocheck/Hayes line or maybe even on the 4th line with MacKenzie and Thornton.
2. Barkov’s linemates
One thing I’ve been curious about lately is who the team will eventually pair with Barkov, should they choose to shake up the “Killer B’s” line. It would be interesting to see if the team would throw together a Hayes/Barkov/Pirri top line. Hayes had some time with Barkov early this season but I think that Brandon Pirri might be the missing piece to this equation. On paper, I think this line could really do some damage. Hayes’ big body, Barkov’s crisp passing and two-way play combined with Pirri’s sniping ability? Count me in.
3. Red Hot Jimmy Hayes
While we’re on the topic of Jimmy Hayes, we need to discuss how he has slowly begun to make a name for himself in the Panthers lineup. Since the start of November, Hayes has been playing at a point-per-game pace with 4 Goals and 4 Assists in his past 8 games. Among those 8 games, two of them were multi-point nights. He is currently tied with Bjugstad and Boyes for the team lead in goals with 4. With his big body and improved skating, I believe he has become a serious asset to this team.
4. Aaron Ekblad without Brian Campbell
Earlier this season, a lot of people were attributing Aaron Ekblad’s hot start to being matched with Brian Campbell (as well as being sheltered, but I won’t get into that. He’s 18.) Ever since Kulikov’s injury, what we’ve seen from Ekblad is some excellent defensive play away from Brian Campbell. Although his possession numbers have slid due to him being forced to tackle the opposing team’s top lines, he has produced at an even higher offensive rate than he was earlier this season. He has looked just as sound defensively and has started to even join in on the rush.
5. The addition of Al Montoya
Patric M. can be reached for contact on Twitter.
