Depth
The Florida Panthers entered the 2021-22 NHL season with one of the deepest forward rosters in the league. It has been put to the ultimate test in the team’s first 29 games. Even before the roster was cut in half by COVID-19 protocols last week, the Panthers’ forward and defense lines were mixed up almost every night, sometimes multiple times a game! But there was one line that Interim Head Coach Andrew Brunette continued to roll out night after night, the fourth line of Eetu Luostarinen, Patric Hornqvist, and Ryan Lomberg. A line that is known by some as the “Chaos Line.” But Noah, why are they called the “Chaos Line?” I’m glad you asked!
The Tactical Finn: Eetu Luostarinen
The 23-year-old Finnish center is off to a scorching start in his second full season in the NHL. In his first 26 games this season, he has seven goals and two assists. After only registering eight points in 44 games last season, he is on pace to more than triple that this season. His speed and puck control has turned heads this season as he seems to have multiple breakaway chances every game. He even joined the “Save Of The Year” conversation when he stopped a sure goal with his stick against the Buffalo Sabres on December 2nd.
Luostarinen with the save of the season! ? pic.twitter.com/W3CbKHCMFn
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) December 3, 2021
Eetu has also played a crucial role lately on the Panthers’ penalty kill alongside Ryan Lomberg, Jonathan Huberdeau, and rookie Anton Lundell. This role paid dividends on November 30th, when he scored on a short-handed breakaway during a comeback win against the Washington Capitals.
Luostarinen with a great move for the shorty.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) December 1, 2021
Plus, a perfect lob from Lomberg to set it up! pic.twitter.com/QUbczpFvor
See what I mean by “chaos?”
The Veteran Swede: Patric Hornqvist
Throughout his 14 year NHL career, the 35-year-old Swedish winger has become known for his physical play and net-front presence. In his second year as a Panther, he has tallied 13 points in 29 games, putting him on pace for 38 points this season. Always willing to stand up for his teammates, Hornqvist is often spotted right in the middle of any scrum that breaks out. Using his linemates to create space, he gives himself many chances to wrist it on goal from the right circle. When he is on the ice, the right circle becomes a firing range for him and his linemates.
Do you see where I am going with this? No? Well then, here comes the best part!
The Chaotic Canadian: Ryan Lomberg
Ryan Lomberg has quickly become a fan-favorite among the Panthers faithful. His speed, agility, skating ability, and physical play make him one of the most entertaining players in the league. Not only is he an offensive workhorse, but he also creates chaos on both ends of the ice. He is laying hits in the defensive zone, stealing the puck in neutral ice, and driving the puck deep into the offensive zone.
He has registered six points in 18 games this year, already passing the four points he tallied all last year. It should not surprise anyone that he has the fifth-most hits on the team, third-most among forwards. These hits can land him in trouble with opponents, but that doesn’t bother him. He has never been one to not stand his ground and go toe-to-toe with the best in the league. And the crowds in Florida can’t get enough of his signature hair flip!
FLA Lomb Arena! pic.twitter.com/KzS7HAgqv1
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) November 27, 2021
Remember that comeback win against the Capitals? The man himself started that rally!
Lomby lights the lamp! ? pic.twitter.com/diXag25QvB
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) December 1, 2021
I think I’ve gotten my point across!
Thank you for reading my very first article for Belly Up Sports! You can follow me on Twitter at @Trainboy100! And you can find other great articles about the NHL throughout the Belly Up Sports site!
