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

Chaos
Photo Credit: Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images

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.

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.

See what I mean by “chaos?”

The Veteran Swede: Patric Hornqvist

Photo Credit: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

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.

chaos
Charts courtesy: Micah Blake McCurdy, hockeyviz.com, @IneffectiveMath on Twitter. Go fling him money!

Do you see where I am going with this? No? Well then, here comes the best part!

The Chaotic Canadian: Ryan Lomberg

Photo Credit: Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images

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.

Charts courtesy: Micah Blake McCurdy, hockeyviz.com, @IneffectiveMath on Twitter. Go fling him money!

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!

Remember that comeback win against the Capitals? The man himself started that rally!

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!

About Author

Noah Berger

Noah is a student at FIU concentrating in sports journalism. He currently holds the position of Chief Engagement Officer for FishStripes and is the Florida Panther’s beat writer for BellyUpSports. Noah is also an expert in all things trains, a huge New York Jets fan, and can build any Lego. Noah is also a Sabbath Observant Jew, so he will not respond back to you between Sunset on Friday and Sunset on Saturday.

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