Nick Bjugstad has had a lot on his plate this year. After Aleksander Barkov was lost for the rest of the season due to an injury suffered at the Olympics, Bjugstad was thrust into the #1 center position. Perhaps this was too early for such a role, and he likely hit a wall over the last month in his first full NHL season, but he still has a chance to make history.
Surely most Panther fans would have loved to see their team officially eliminate the Maple Leafs from the playoffs, but the rousing 4-2 victory was still satisfying in its own right. Bjugstad's two goals and an assist, including his first career shortie, lead the way.
Yes it is embarrassing when any team's leading scorer has 38 points with one game left in an 82 game season. But that is what happens when your power play is ranked last in the league and injuries hit the team hard. However, Bjugstad holds the top spot on the team in points, and if he finishes there he will be the first rookie in Panthers history to win the team scoring title.
While he will the first to say his linemates of Brad Boyes and Sean Bergenheim are the reasons for his success(he's very humble that way), it is clear that Bjugstad is likely a star in the making. He's huge, skates very well, and has good hands. As he matures both physically and mentally there is no limit to the success he will have in this league. A healthy Barkov will provide a 1-2 punch to be reckoned with for years to come.
Scottie Upshall sits one point behind Bjugstad and Brian Campbell two as the Cats close out their season at home against the Blue Jackets Saturday night.
While the season was another disaster, it bodes well for Bjugstad's confidence moving forward that he can compete at the NHL level, and in time should dominate.
Dan Spiegel Florida Panthers Media Follow me on Twitter Join the Florida Panthers Insiders FB Page Connect with me on Google Plus