Panthers Starting Strong

     The Panthers first 8 games are in the books and the results can be viewed as extremely positive. The forward group has played well but has been inconsistent other than the first line. The line of Weiss, Versteeg, and Fleischmann has been one of the leagues best to start the season and all three players have looked very strong. The biggest issue with the forward group has been with the second line that until yesterday’s trade was David Booth, Tomas Kopecky, and Scottie Upshall. This was a fact not lost on Dale Tallon, and Booth’s massive contract was shipped toWestern Canada. Booth quite simply hasn’t been the same player since Richards turned him into a pancake, and Tallon saw the opportunity to make the move. Booth may do well inVancouver, but the way last year went for Booth, and the first 6 games this year (1 assist, minus 6), this is a trade Tallon had to make. The fact is Booth, with his 4.25 million cap hit, could have been considered virtually untradeable if his level of play continued over the next couple of months.

Panthers Forwards that have played noticeably well:

Weiss, Versteeg, Fleischmann, Matthias, Skille, Goc, Upshall, Kennedy

(Although the last 4 need to start capitalizing on strong play with some goal scoring)

     The defense has played quite well for the Panthers, although typically with Panther teams, their shots allowed is still very high. The defense as a whole has no player that has particularly struggled through the first 8 games. Brian Campbell has rejuvenated his career, and has routinely been the Panthers best player on the ice. Dimitri Kulikov, for the exception of one shaky game has continued his positive development and is a good candidate to truly break-out this season. Eric Gudbranson has been strong in his role as well with a team leading 24 PIM. Now PIM may not be considered a good stat to lead in, but his tenacity and fighting has often provided a spark to his teammates. The Panthers in years past have lacked a player like Gudbranson; he not only has a tremendous skill set but he plays with an edge, and defends his teammates at will.

Panthers Defensemen that have played noticeably well:

Campbell, Jovocop, Kulikov, Garrison, Gudbranson (Good times inFloridadefensively)

     The Panthers goaltending, a major concern entering the season has also been a pleasant surprise, with Jose Theodore playing above early expectations, and the emergence of Jacob Markstrom. Theodore is quickly proving last year in Minnesota was no fluke, and that he deserves legitimate playing time. He is currently day-to-day but Theodore is definitely earning his team-friendly contract. Markstrom made the team by default as he was supposed to spend the season as the starting goalie in the AHL, but after injuries to back-up goalie Scott Clemmensen, and the more experienced Tyler Plante, Markstrom was thrust into the backup role. Markstrom has been nothing short of phenomenal and has lived up to his massive hype, albeit in a small sample size. Markstrom was viewed as a year away, but after his play in his first three games this season (2 starts, 1 in relief), he is forcing the hand of Dale Tallon. Suddenly, the major concern for the Panthers at the start of the year has the potential of being the team’s biggest strength.

Panthers Defensemen that have played noticeably well:

Theodore and Markstrom