Smith fires up penalty kills
SUNRISE — While the Panthers have outscored last year’s Stanley Cup finalists, the mediocre Maple Leafs and the NHL-leading Capitals, 19-5 during their current four-game winning streak, what cannot be understated are their constantly improving penaltykilling units.
The Panthers have killed off 16 of 17 power plays during this mini-streak, including 8-of-8 against the Capitals’ top-ranked power play in Tuesday’s 5-2 rout.
It was Florida’s best PK performance since matching that figure also against Washington on Dec. 9, 2010, while their all-time record is 10-for-10 kills versus Ottawa on Oct. 28, 1995.
The Panthers went 37-of-41 during their franchise12-game winning streak from Dec. 15 to Jan. 10, and it came at a time when their power play was slumping. The Panthers’ PK, which earlier this season was floundering at 23rd in the league has now skyrocketed to fifth at 84 percent success. They were ranked 23rd, 30th , 30th and 25th in the previous four seasons.
There have been several contributing factors to the Panthers’ resurgent penalty kill, and it starts with goaltending and the dynamic duo of Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya, who have spearheaded the NHL’s top-ranked defense (2.18 goals-per-game allowed).
The stalwarts on the Panthers’ PK units have been forwards’ Derek MacKenzie, Jussi Jokinen and Aleksander Barkov, aswell as defensemen Erik Gudbranson, Willie Mitchell (before he was injured) and Dmitry Kulikov. However, when defensive coach John Madden teamed forward Reilly Smith with MacKenzie, the unit took off.
“You have to be an intelligent hockey player to play penalty kill, courageous as well,’’ said Madden, who was known for his penaltykilling prowess on three Stanley Cup champion teams. “He’s got both those elements. He’s played a lot of power plays, so he’s seen a lot and understands what putting people in bad situations are all about, when to press, when to trigger. … He cares and that’s a big thing about being a good hockey player.’’
Smith, 24, who was acquired from Boston in the offseason for forward Jimmy Hayes, is averaging a career-high 18:07.
“Mads sees the game a lot different than other coaches,’’ said Smith, who has a team-leading 16 goals, 29 points and a plus-11. “He’s lived it for so long he understands little tendencies in players. He’s able to help you read plays in our meetings and sets an example for what we need to do.
“MacKenzie is all over the place, he’s got a great stick and picks up a lot of passes I brought a little bit of an extra push and I think he’s pushed me to be more aggressive on our PK. You don’t let other teams get settled and set up. And our goaltending has been a huge difference.’’
Jagr update
It was certainly no secret that Panthers top-line forward Jaromir Jagr didn’t want to attend last weekend’s All-Star festivities in Nashville, when he would’ve been better served remaining in South Florida to stay in hockey shape for the season’s final 33 games.
Jagr, 43, sustained what appeared to be a lower-back injury in the third period Tuesday. He was seen on the nationally televised broadcast pointing to his lower back while trainer Dave Zenobi massaged it. Jagr was replaced by Quinton Howden for the final 10 minutes.
The Panthers held an optional practice Wednesday at the BB&T Center, and Jagr didn’t skate.
“I think he’s fine,’’ Gallant said before he had spoken to Jagr. “He told the trainers to ‘tell Coach I’m not ready to go the last 10 minutes,’’ Gallant said. “After the game, he looked fine.’’
Red Wings at Panthers
When/where: 7:30 p.m.; BB&T Center, Sunrise
TV: FSF Radio: WQAM-560, WMEN-640 (Palm Beaches)
Notable: The Panthers have won four in a row after routing the NHL-leading Capitals, 5-2, Tuesday to snap a 10-game losing streak in the Verizon Center. The Panthers downed the Red Wings, 2-1, on Nov. 29 behind Roberto Luongo’s 29 saves and Brian Campbell’s game-winning goal in overtime. That marked Florida’s fifth straight win in Joe Louis Arena. Aleksander Barkov’s goal and assist Tuesday gave him seven goals and 15 points in his last 14 games, while Jonathan Huberdeau’s two goals and assist gave him 12 points, including six goals, in his last 11 games. . The first-place Panthers have a seven-point lead over three teams, including Detroit, who played in Tampa Wednesday. D Willie Mitchell is out.