South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Powerful second line could boost offense
Trio aiming to build chemistry
CORAL SPRINGS – One of the biggest storylines during the Florida Panthers stellar end to last season was the emergence of their potent second line.
After a slow start to the year, coach Bob Boughner switched up his forward lines, pairing prolific scorers Jonathan Huberdeau and Vincent Trocheck on the second.
The results paid major dividends for Florida. Following the change, the team finished 25-9-2 in its final 36 games with Trocheck at center, Huberdeau roaming left and Denis Malgin and Jamie McGinn alternating at right.
After bulking up its roster in June with the addition of talented forward Mike Hoffman, the second line could be among the league’s best.
“I think we can be pretty dominant,” said Hoffman, who notched 56 points last season with the Ottawa Senators. “But it’ll take a little bit of time to build some chemistry. It usually doesn’t take too long — offensive guys always think alike and can build right from Day One.”
Developing that chemistry will be one of the biggest training camp objectives as Florida ramps up toward the regular-season opener on Oct. 6. While Trocheck (75 points last season) and Huberdeau
(69) have prior experience together, incorporating Hoffman’s talented skill set into the mix will be key.
“We’re working on it,” Trocheck said.
“They’re obviously two really good players and make it really easy to play with them. A lot of offensive ability out of both of them. We’ll change up the game a little bit. [Hoffman] has got a phenomenal shot, so I’ll try and find him in all situations in the [offensive zone] and [Huberdeau’s] a good disher, so we’ve got a good blend of three different abilities.”
While Hoffman previously spent his entire NHL career with Ottawa, he briefly played with Huberdeau in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League back in 2009. Playing for the Saint John Sea Dogs,
Hoffman was 20 at the time, while Huberdeau was 16.
The veteran forward said he remembers Huberdeau flashing major potential at a young age.
“As a 16 year old, you could tell he was going to be a good player,” Hoffman said. “It’s tough to determine how good a player is going to be, but you knew he had a bright upside and he made some pretty good plays even in being the youngest guy in the league.”
After the brief stint in Saint John, Huberdeau is eager for an encore with his former teammate.
“He was a great leader,” Huberdeau. “[I was] a young guy looking up to him. We had a great run that year.
“I’m really happy we’re reunited.”