If you’re not familiar with The Hockey Guy, he’s a YouTube personality with a deep love of hockey..and an even deeper love for hockey jerseys and apparel it seems - his collection must be massive!
I’m usually hit or miss with his videos, like I’m sure many people are with my blogs on here, but he did two pieces related to the Panthers this week and I think they’re worth a share.
Season Preview
The most recent video is a season preview. I generally agree with a number of the points he makes, mainly the talent this 2021-22 roster has on the offensive side of the puck. But as I mentioned in my last blog there’s a big difference between looking like an offensive threat on paper and actually being one on the ice.
1. I didn’t agree with his assessment of Verhaeghe not being able to break into top-six on this team. I think he stays right there on the first line flanking Barkov. Let’s not forget this:
🚨 SPOILER ALERT🚨
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 20, 2021
Carter Verhaeghe is the #⃣3⃣ breakout player of 2020-21. Find out who else makes the cut now! #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/szcoSIlcm8
2. No surprises here, but I didn’t agree with the idea that this is a good defense and I know most of you will feel the same. Outside of Ekblad, Weegar, Gudas and Forsling, the other blue liners are big question marks. Montour and Nutty really struggled in the playoffs and the below guys could end up being, well, just guys:
- Carlsson: I liked what I saw of him with the Hawks, but will benefit from some AHL seasoning - Connauton: Veteran with good shot, but seems like he’ll be called in if there’s injuries - Juulsen: Injury issues, but I liked how he played at times - Kiersted: Fresh from college and looks promising, but realistically probably needs AHL time - Ludvig: Still developing in the A with no NHL experience
A move needs to be made. What about throwing a league minimum for Chara if there still some money in the account depending on what happens with Barky?
3. I’m split on his thought of Lundell. I can go either way. The kid tore it up in Europe and the hype about him appears to be real and growing every time he plays. If he has a great camp (which I can’t wait to see how he does) and earns a spot, I could see him maiming the opening night roster. Why not?
Or maybe he falls into that “he needs more time adjusting to North American ice… category. I know there’s merit there, but we’ll see how he does and where the Cats’ coaching staff thinks he is/should be.
Sheppard Saturday
Earlier this week The Hockey Guy also posted a detailed career retrospective video of Ray Sheppard. I really enjoyed this one because outside of liking Sheppard on the Panthers, I really didn’t know much about his career and his scoring.
He had a nice 13-year journey in the NHL where he put up some really good seasons displaying that consistent scoring touch. But I find it odd when good players aren’t locked up long term with a team and end up bouncing around a lot like Ray did. I know there are many factors, but I wonder what happened?
He also holds the distinction of scoring the first playoff goal in Panthers history.
🚨Ray Sheppard scores the first playoff goal in #FlaPanthers history!
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) April 19, 2020
1-0, Cats! Classic #PanthersRewind ⪠pic.twitter.com/9Q9np8uTnM
[Image from TCDB.com]
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It’s always fun revisiting the old players and that exciting time in Panthers history. Summer can’t end soon enough…Go Panthers!