In this post I will be evaluating how everyone on the team has lived up to my expectations. I will use the categories- Exceeded Expectations, Met Expectations and Below Expectations. I will divide it into three parts. Let’s look at players who have exceeded my expectations
Nick Bjugstad
Photo Credit: http://www.zimbio.com/Nick+Bjugstad/pictures/pro?Page=2
Stats: 37 GP; 9-11-20
Nick Bjugstad is back. After battling injuries for two years, a fully healthy Nick Bjugstad has proven he can be the same player he was in 2014-15. The 6 foot 6 inches power forward has been able to improve his game defensively and has beaten Evengii Dadonov out for a top line spot alongside Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau. Huberdeau and Barkov have raved about his play and Bjugstad certainly looks like a new player. I know I was very critical of Bjugstad in the past but I’m proud he is proving me wrong. If he can stay healthy, he is on track for a career high 44 points.
Denis Malgin
Stats: 19 GP; 5-2-7
Malgin hasn’t exceeded my expectations statwise but by the way he is playing. He has combined with Vincent Trocheck and Evengii Dadonov to form a formidable second line. The Swiss center has been very impressive since coming back from Springfield. However Malgin needs to improve his stats to stay in the lineup.
Jared McCann
Photo Credit: https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/florida-panthers-recall-forward-jared-mccann-from-springfield-ahl/c-285370576
Stats: 26 GP; 5-5-10
I didn’t expect McCann to make the opening night roster, but a strong preseason convinced me he should make it. McCann has been a force this year. He has a lethal shot and has not made any glaring mistakes. However like in the past McCann is struggling in the faceoff circle. However he has exceeded my expectations.
Connor Brickley
Photo Credit: https://therattrick.com/2017/09/26/florida-panthers-connor-brickley-attempting-to-make-the-final-cut/
Stats: 27 GP; 3-6-9
When the Panthers brought Brickley back, I thought Tallon brought him in for depth in Springfield. However a strong preseason resulted in Brickley making the NHL. Brick scored the first Panther goal of the year and although an injury slowed him down, Brickley has overcome numerous healthy scratches to be a force. Brickley has been scratched on occasion only because Boughner likes to play others. However he has definitely exceeded my expectations.
Micheal Haley
Photo Credit: Zimbio
Stats: 36 GP; 2-5-7
The NHL’s fighting majors leader is also tied for 2nd in Penalty Minutes this year. Despite spending an average of more than 2 minutes in the box each night, Haley has definitely impressed offensively. Bob Boughner has played the enforcer a lot which has aided in the team not getting cheap shotted much. However Haley does have an offensive touch. He had an offensive streak earlier this year.
Roberto Luongo
Photo Credit: NHL
Stats: 15 GP, 6-6-1, .928 SVPCT, 2.61 GAA
The 38 year old Luongo has been very impressive this year. He has been playing excellent and has stolen several games. However several injuries have made Luongo see very limited action this year. However he has been impressive when he has played
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