But, like Maurice said, it is also the effect they have on the people around them.
The Merchand linemates, who formed the best third line in the playoffs, each performed breakouts during this year’s run, with Anton Landell scoring 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) and Eetu Luostarinen scoring 18 points (5 goals, 13 assists).
Top unit quarterback Jones helped Florida power play work at a solid 25.3%.
Overall, the Panthers have 11 players who have already recorded double-digit points this postseason, as well as five players with at least 20 points. Sam Bennett (22), Matthew Kachuk (22), Merchand (20), Carter Belharge (20), and Alexander Barkov (20).
No one feels the pressure to play the role of a hero in this deep team.
“If a guy has three or four game stretches, if (the guy) isn’t scoring, he doesn’t feel that,” Maurice said.
The Panthers scored for the Bunch and scored 12 goals this postseason. This is the third highest total in NHL history. In each of their three victories against the Oilers in the Stanley Cup final, they reached five goal marks and led 16-7 during those wins.
All this remains the goal secondary to the Panthers.
Certainly, you need to put the puck behind the net to win, but the win doesn’t start there.
With the playoffs leading the fewest goals allowed per game (2.50), boasting a top-ranked penalty kill (86.4%), the Panthers believe their defense will ultimately lead to offense.
It was a crucial save from Conor Brown’s Sergei Bobrovsky when he defeated the Oilers 5-2 in Game 5, a choking penalty kill later in the period when he kept Edmonton off the board in the opening minute and kept his early 1-0 lead unharmed after Merchand broke the ice.
From there, Florida finished with a 5-for-5 expectation goal of just 0.94, following NatunalStattrick.com.
“We all bought it,” Reinhart said. “When we’re doing our best, it feels like we have a little more pack. When it doesn’t work, you learn. Certainly, from the game to the game, we had a bit of support and we had to talk a little, so you probably think it’s a little less.”
During their attack and defense, the Panthers look elite at each end of the ice.
Vanny gets the pack
Vitek Vanecek didn’t have to make a single to save this postseason.
However, his impact in the locker room cannot be measured.
The Florida backup goaltender was rewarded for his behind-the-scenes contributions and received the coveted game pack from Johanga Jovic following the team’s biased victory in Game 5.
“A great teammate,” Gadjovich said. “He shows up working every day.”
