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Florida Panthers: Michael Matheson Needs To Be On The Power Play

By Daniel Janicas

Mar 27, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Michael Matheson (19) shoots the puck during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. The Sabres won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Michael Matheson (19) shoots the puck during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. The Sabres won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Florida Panthers have struggled on the power play for years trying to find a combination that works. Michael Matheson would be the perfect fit for the PP.

After throwing lots of money into our defensive core, there were no immediate results when it came to our power play. Players like Yandle and Demers were expected to drastically improve the teams conversion rate on the PP. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way.

Matheson is one defenseman who has proven that he should be given time on the PP. Not only is Michael a fantastic skater, but he’s also an excellent puck distributor as well. Matheson can string a pass from one end of the ice to another with ease. He can also get shots off to the net from any angle he may be in. On the other hand, Keith and Jason struggled to get shots off, as most of their shots on the PP were blocked.

When it comes to addressing our power play, our puck movement as a team is incredibly slow. For those of you who regularly watch Panther games would know how slow our puck movement is in the offensive zone. Better yet, the Cats often get caught making one too many passes. In result, the play gets broken or the shot from the point simply just doesn’t find it’s way to the net.

Michael Matheson would fix both of these issues. Firstly, Matheson is quick with distributing and passing the puck while in the offensive zone. He wastes no time when the puck is on his stick. Secondly, Michael seems to also get a lot of shots on net as well. No matter how bad of an angle or position he may be in, he always finds a way to get his shot through. I guess you can say that he’s creative in that aspect.

Next: Florida Panthers: Michael Matheson Needs To Be On The Power Play

Spending more money to find replacements for the PP would be ridiculous and absurd. We don’t need to buy anymore Yandle or Demers like players. We simply need to adjust our power play strategies, which will allow for more creativity and movement. Giving Michael the opportunity on the power play would only benefit the team moving forward. At just 23 years of age, Michael has shown that he has what it takes to be on the PP. Quick puck movement, creativity, and awareness are all areas of Michael’s game in which he excels in.

If the Panthers are serious when it comes to improving their PP, then surely they need to have a look at young Michael Matheson, who would bring a lot to the table.

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