Boyle determined to be more than ‘a cheerleader’
SUNRISE — After spending the first weeks of the NHL season training in Massachusetts, Brian Boyle is hoping to make an impact for the Florida Panthers.
Signed to a one-year contract on Sunday, the 34-year-old forward officially joined the team ahead of Tuesday night’s game versus the Pittsburgh Penguins. A 12-year NHL veteran, Boyle split last season with the New Jersey Devils and Nashville Predators, but went unsigned this summer.
Biding his time, Boyle trained in Foxborough, Massachusetts, while he awaited a call from a prospective team.
“It was difficult,” Boyle said. “It took some patience. There was a mutual interest [with the Panthers].
“I was real excited, I know what’s going on down here. I know a few guys down here. They made me exited having a few conversations.”
A 6-foot-6, 245-pound forward, Boyle brings experience and versatility to the Panthers’ lines. With 766 NHL games under his belt, the center has tallied 216 career points (124 goals, 92 assists). Last season, the veteran played 73 games with New Jersey and Nashville, totaling 24 points (18 goals, 6 assists).
He has also played in 114 career playoff runs, including a pair of Stanley Cup Finals runs with Panthers defenseman Anton Stralman during their time with the Los Angeles Kings (2014) and Tampa Bay Lightning (2015).
“I think [Boyle] gives us a lot of versatility,” Panthers coach Joel Quenneville said. “Gives us size in the middle, gives us faceoff guy, gives us a net-front presence on the power platy, can kill penalties, has got experience and serious playoff games in his resume.
“We think he has a lot of ingredients that we think can add to our team. And he obviously brings some leadership as well.”
While he’s joining the team midyear, playing with a new squad is nothing new
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for Boyle. During his career, he’s spent time with six other teams — the New York Rangers, Lightning, Kings, Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs and Predators.
“I think I’ve been through quite a bit,” Boyle said. “I’ve been moved around a little bit; I’ve played different positions; I’ve played different systems. I think I’ve seen a little of the West, played mostly in the East.
“I’ve played on different special teams. I hopefully can fill whatever role needs to be done, but I still expect myself to make contributions. I’m not expected to be a cheerleader; I want to make a difference for the team on the ice.”
Connolly picking up steam: Free-agent acquisition Brett Connolly has been on a nice stretch as of late for the Panthers. Signed from the Washington Capitals this summer, the 27-year-old forward has tallied 4 goals in his past three games entering Tuesday. For the season, Connolly has totaled 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists).
“I think [Connolly’s] got the puck more and he’s got a really dangerous shot,” Quenneville said. “He’s got a way of getting it through or getting off where there’s a release that’s tough to pick up for goalies and it’s got a little more pace to it and it has some accuracy to it.”
Killing in the name of: Through eight games, the Panthers’ penalty kill has been one of the best in the NHL. Playing with a man disadvantage, Florida has neutralized 14 of 15 (86.7%) opposing power-play opportunities — sixth-best in the league.
In addition, the Panthers have also scored two short-handed goals (Vincent Trocheck and Frank Vatrano), which is tied for the second most in the NHL.