Florida Panthers: Aaron Ekblad is Heating Up Offensively
Over the last handful of games, Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been heating up offensively, serving as a primary point getter from the blue line.
The Florida Panthers have experienced quite the ups and downs this year, and I’m sure no one would even hesitate to deny that.
But between the different line combinations up front and the uncertainties at the back, it’s really hard for players like Ekblad to settle in and get going.
Much like his hockey team, defenseman Aaron Ekblad has gone through similar patches, experiencing what many would call a “streaky season.” This isn’t the first time this has occurred and it’s enlarge a byproduct of what the Panthers are offering him.
Over the last seven games, however, we’re starting to see signs of the old Ekblad that was originally drafted first overall back in 2014. The “original Ek” was touted as a stud defenseman who owned game-changing hockey abilities.
In his last seven games, Ekblad has recorded seven points (2G & 5A), playing at a point-per-game pace over that stretch.
In addition, he’s also showcased a more responsible side to his defensive game. Package that all into one and you’re starting to see signs of that complete No. 1 defenseman that everyone projected out of Ekblad the minute he was drafted.
Take, for instance, this goal that he scored against the San Jose Sharks on January, 21st.
As you can see, between the top of the point and around the slot is Ekblad’s bread and butter. These two primary locations are where Ekblad scores the majority of his goals.
Streaking in behind the rest, Aaron finds some space that’s unmarked and immediately skates into it. Aleksander Barkov notices him skating in and feeds him a pass.
Ekblad then controls the pass on his stick and instantly lets a quick wrister off which beautifully finds the back of the net.
One more, shall we? This goal occurred against the Nashville Predators and was a special tally for Ekblad himself. Why might you ask? Because Aaron set the new franchise mark for all-time goals by a defenseman in Florida Panthers history.
This time, on the power play, Ekblad is managing the point and is serving as the primary quarterback on the Panthers’ second unit.
Vincent Trocheck cleverly draws in a Predator and immediately dishes to Ekblad with a no-look pass. The pass is placed perfectly onto his stick and Ekblad fires a one-timer home.
It’s these kinds of drawn up plays that really get Ekblad going. Luckily for the Cats, so long as they continue to draw up these types of plays, Ekblad will continue finishing them.
As he carries over his hot streak into tonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, expect Aaron Ekblad to continue firing on all cylinders, while racking up points in the process.
In fifty-three games played, he currently sits at 25 points. Who’s to say that he can’t shatter his career-high mark in points (39) at this pace?
The Florida Panthers are truly at full force when their two-time star defenseman is at his very best firing away.
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