Steven Reinprecht Leads Florida Panthers on a Streak Despite Roster

Stanley C. and Panther fans have reason to celebrate (photo: pointnshoot)

When David Booth and Radek Dvorak last played for the Panthers, it was October 24^th and the Cats were a depressing 2-7-1. There was no life. There was no confidence. There seemed to be no hope of salvaging a season just 3 weeks old. Somehow, someway, since the Panthers lost two of their top scoring threats, they have gone 3-1-0 and are coming off of back-to-back shutouts.

During their recent stretch, Florida have found ways to win despite having to play several AHL call ups. A glance at the scoresheet from Wednesday’s win over Carolina and you will notice names like Victor Oreskovich, who played in just his 2^ndcareer NHL game, Kenndal McArdle, playing in his 7^th career game, and Jeff Taffe, who has spent the vast majority of his time in the AHL since his career began in 2002. And that does not include 2009 1^st round draft pick Dmitry Kulikov, who turned 19 just last week, or Michael Repik or Jason Garrison, both AHL regulars, both of whom spent time with the big club over the past week.

Inexperienced players like Kenndal McArdle have been asked to step up (photo: Lets Go Amerks!)

But the majority of credit during this recent, short sign of light belongs to two men; Steven Reinprecht and Tomas Vokoun. Reinprecht, a free agent signing over the summer, has scored 9 goals in 9 games, including a first period hat trick against the Dallas Stars. He is up to 13 points in 13 games and is the primary source of any offensive spark. On the other end, Tomas Vokoun has found his confidence that was so glaringly absent from his start to the year. It’s not just the back-to-back shutouts, but the rebound control is back. The solid positioning has returned. And with a home-and-home series with the Washington Capitals kicking off tonight in Sunrise, Vokoun might have to be even sharper.

On a side note, Panthers’ captain Bryan McCabe will be playing his 1000^th career NHL game tonight. Congratulations to him on an impressive milestone.