What We Learned: Does Florida need help in goal?

At this point in the season, it’s hard to find fault with what the Florida Panthers are doing as a team.

The standings say they are first in the NHL by points, and second in points percentage, with the second-best goal difference at 5-on-5 and third-best in all situations. 

Sure, maybe you’d like to see them score more power-play goals, especially because they’re doing such a good job at drawing penalties, or commit fewer infractions themselves. But those are relatively minor quibbles for a team that’s speed-bagging almost everyone they play.

And what’s really amazing is that they’re doing all this with goaltending that has become rather leaky in the last month-plus. Look at the league leaders in save percentage and you’ll see Sergei Bobrovski (.917) solidly in the middle of the pack among goaltenders with at least 10 games played, tied with John Gibson, whom most would say is having a nice season. 

The less said about rookie Spencer Knight (.896), the better — especially for those who thought he might have a shot at the Calder this season *wink wink* — but that’s why they acquired Jonas Johansson (career… .892? oof).