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Florida Panthers: Mark Pysyk’s 2017-18 Season Recap

By Sam Golub

OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 29: Florida Panthers Defenceman Mark Pysyk (13) skates during warm-up before National Hockey League action between the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators on March 29, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 29: Florida Panthers Defenceman Mark Pysyk (13) skates during warm-up before National Hockey League action between the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators on March 29, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Following a comparatively sufficient season back in 2016-17, Florida Panthers’ D-man Mark Pysyk played well on the defensive end in 2018, proving that he’s entirely worthy of the contract extension that Florida rewarded him with the last off-season

Pysyk, a reliably consistent 3rd pairing defenseman, has established himself as a staple on Florida’s blueline, racking up respectable defensive and offensive statistics. Despite Mark posting a substandard plus/minus rating of -8, the 26-year-old defenseman registered career-high totals in blocks (123) and hits (102), while averaging 18:46 minutes of ice-time per night.

The Alberta native plays hard defensively, frequently utilizing his body as a protective shield for his netminder. Moreover, Pysyk improved his physical toughness, engaging in consistent contact with opposing forwards, whether in front of the crease or along the boards.

Mark Pysyk prides himself on winning puck battles, defending his crease, protecting fellow teammates, playing with a competitive/physical edge, and laying the lumber whenever necessary. The former Buffalo Sabre can reliably cover for his d-partner and forwards, enabling for significantly more scoring chances on the offensive end.

In addition, Pysyk was a sensational penalty killer (played on FLA’s top PK unit), contributing greatly towards Florida’s success in the penalty killing department. Without Pysyk’s stout shot-blocking abilities and defensive awareness, the penalty kill and the Panthers’ overall defense would ultimately suffer substantially.

While Mark’s abilities as a defender are notably solid, his offensive prowess frequently receives minimal recognition. Playing predominantly penalty killing and 3rd pairing minutes, alongside a relatively mediocre partner on defense, Pysyk’s season offensively was undoubtedly decent.

While participating in all 82 regular season contests for the second consecutive season, ‘Mr. Durability,’ the dependable Pysyk registered a respectable slash line of 3G, 13A, and 16 points, which was a 1 point decrease from his 2016-17 campaign. In essence, Mark Pysyk possesses excellent vision and skating ability, hence, resulting in crisp passing and usual perfect positioning.

Essentially, considering Mark Pysyk remains under contract (cost-efficient deal) as a Florida Panther for the following several seasons, bench boss Bob Boughner could provide the reliable defenseman with a more significant role.

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Mark’s ATOI totals have notably increased on a year-by-year basis, enhancing Pysyk’s playing ability on the ice. Ultimately, Pysyk has evidently conveyed he’s incredibly capable of relishing and embracing an essential opportunity knocking on his door.

As Mark enters year #3 as a Panther, I fully anticipate the striving Canadian-born D-man will surpass the 19-minute mark, perhaps receiving a slot on Florida’s 2nd pairing alongside the offensive-minded Keith Yandle, barring an unforeseen acquisition on defense.

Furthermore, the expectations for Mark Pysyk will be ‘through the roof’ high, considering how  Mark’s presence is in relation to the Cats’ team success. In receiving a role carrying importance/significance, Mark will indubitably flourish and uplift the defensive play of Keith Yandle, which presumably would be Pysyk’s partner at the back on the Panthers’ 2nd pairing.

Playing with a warrior-esque mentality has essentially paved the way for success in Mark’s  ongoing tenure as a Cat. In hindsight, the Florida-Buffalo deal finalized multiple years ago, occurring on the second day of the NHL Entry Draft, sending Dmitry Kulikov packing towards Buffalo’s direction, was unquestionably a terrific trade managed by FLA.

Next: Jamie McGinn’s 2017-18 Season Recap

Pysyk’s 2017-18 season was clearly a strong one, both offensively and especially defensively. Ultimately, the upcoming season seems like a potential breakout year for the unnoticed Mark Pysyk, potentially resulting in substantial recognition leaguewide and from Panthers fans, as well.

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