Every Thursday, I’ll be discussing 5 different topics that are currently on my mind regarding the state of the Florida Panthers. As of late, the Panthers have made some interesting lineup changes and trade talks have started to heat up. We’ll be covering that and more in this weeks’s edition of “5 Thoughts on Thursday”.
1. Quick Strikes
I can’t get over the Panthers scoring 2 goals in 12 seconds in the last minute of their game against Nashville. Florida built on this momentum with an incredible effort during overtime but alas, were eventually robbed in the shootout. With the American Hockey League testing 3-on-3 hockey after some brief play at 4-on-4, I wonder how long it’ll be before we see 3-on-3 hockey in the NHL. With early indications showing that 3-on-3 hockey has slashed the total amount of shootouts by two-thirds, I hope the NHL decides to implement this change ASAP. It’s unfortunate to see a thrilling overtime period end in a skills competition that is mostly a coin flip in many situations. Also, before we move on, Bjugstad had another quick strike against Carolina when he opened the scoring in the first 21 seconds of the game. It would be nice to see that happen against Ottawa this Friday.
2. “PB&J” Line
It seems like my wish has finally come true, Brandon Pirri has finally been moved to the wing. Now on the “PB&J” line with Jonathan Huberdeau and Nick Bjugstad, I feel that this line can really do some damage. We all know what Pirri’s strength is, it’s scoring. The main knock I have on Pirri’s game has been some defensive inconsistencies that he has had playing center. As a winger, he’ll have less responsibility and this will allow him to focus on scoring. Also, being paired with the Huberdeau (6 points in his past 6 games) and Bjugstad (6 goals in his past 6 games) should benefit Pirri’s game. I think this line is going to be real fun to watch and I hope it stays together.
3. Barkov on the second line
Speaking of the “PB&J” line, no one seems to be talking about how Bjugstad took over the top line center spot for the team. Now, I don’t think this is permanent at all but I am very supportive of the change. This gives Barkov an opportunity to face easier competition to get himself out of his funk. He’s been matched up against opposing top lines all season and it seems like a good amount of his play has been dedicated to the defensive side of his game.
4. Veteran Wingers and Trade Rumors
A lot of fans seem to be wondering about the carousel of line changes the team has seen at wing. The trade winds are starting to kick up and a few names are being tossed around (Kopecky, Fleischmann, Bergenheim, Upshall) which are all pending UFAs at the end of this season. What makes this tricky though, is that two of these four forwards have a limited no-trade clause & limited no-movement clause (Flash and Upshall). This severely limits the trade market for these two individuals. Also, in order for a player to be traded, there has to be a body of work for him. What team would want to give up an asset for a player who has constantly been injured or healthy scratched? The Panthers need to give everyone an equal opportunity to have play time, especially if they expect to move someone. In my opinion, Flash will be the hardest player to move with his cap hit of 4.5m. That would make him quite the expensive rental for a team. Realistically, Bergenheim is the easiest to move. His contract is a comfy 2.75m but I feel that the Panthers would miss his solid possession play.
5. Trending Up
Despite Florida’s continuous struggle with injuries, the team still managed to go 1-2-2 against some serious competition. Two out of the four teams they have played are incredible possession teams and three out of those four teams will be in the playoffs without a doubt. That’s huge. We’re beginning to see some chemistry form (notably with Bjugstad/Huberdeau and Trocheck/Jokinen) and the team is finally starting to look healthy. Hopefully, this will translate to some wins this upcoming week.
If you’d like to discuss any of these thoughts, hit me up on Twitter!
Patric M. can be reached for contact on Twitter.
Note – 5 Thoughts was pushed back a day due to Thanskgiving (Kris M.)
