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How Panthers are trying to make up for no Bennett, from extra defensemen to Barkov-Tkachuk

The Florida Panthers’ horribly timed, potentially season-killing four game losing streak wasn’t all about the absence of Sam Bennett, but the two are inextricably linked.

The Panthers put together a season-best seven-game points streak earlier this month, then lost Bennett to an injury and promptly fell into a season-worst four-game losing streak. Now, they’re scrambling to figure out how to replace him and it has required some creativity from Paul Maurice.

“We’re definitely missing him,” said left wing Carter Verhaeghe, who typically plays next to Bennett on Florida’s second line. “Guys need to step up.”

Mar 27, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie Mads Sogaard (40) makes a save in front of Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (15) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie Mads Sogaard (40) makes a save in front of Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (15) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Lundell moves to second line

The Panthers’ latest attempt to fill the gap left by Bennett has provided a second chance for Anton Lundell.

The center was a dark-horse contender for the Calder Memorial Trophy just a year ago, but was playing down on Florida’ fourth line as recently as last week, slumping through his sophomore season in the NHL. He moved back up to the second line Monday for the Panthers’ loss to the Senators and was back there again Wednesday for their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena in Ontario.

Playing in between Verhaeghe and All-Star right wing Matthew Tkachuk might help Lundell salvage this season, if the initial returns are any indication. When the new-look second line was on the ice together in Ottawa, the Panthers outshot the Senators, 7-1, with a 5-2 advantage in scoring chances.

Barkov-Tkachuk combo gets chance

By the end of the game, Florida was veering from its established lines, though, and instead trying to pair up its best players to try to spring a comeback at the Canadian Tire Centre.

For the third straight game, the Panthers paired up Tkachuk with All-Star center Aleksander Barkov for at least two minutes.

Even though the combination hasn’t sparked any comebacks, Florida is keeping it as a weapon in its arsenal as long as Bennett is out, which could be another few days. The center will need to practice before he plays in a game, Maurice said, and it likely means he will be out again Wednesday when the Panthers continue their road trip at 7 p.m. against the Montreal Canadiens in Quebec.

“With Bennett being in our lineup, that was a very, very good line. We didn’t need to put to two guys together,” Maurice said Saturday. “Sometimes, you’ll throw those two guys together. ... You’re looking for something.”

Mar 2, 2023; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Nashville Predators center Matt Duchene (95) moves the puck as Florida Panthers defenseman Casey Fitzgerald (4) defends during the first period at FLA Live Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2023; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Nashville Predators center Matt Duchene (95) moves the puck as Florida Panthers defenseman Casey Fitzgerald (4) defends during the first period at FLA Live Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers consider using extra defenseman

The Panthers have also toyed with playing down another forward and with an extra defenseman.

It’s seemingly counter-intuitive, but the ultimate result is more ice time for the best forwards on the team.

Florida tried it out March 21 in its loss to the Flyers, inserting defenseman Casey Fitzgerald into the lineup and playing him sometimes as a fourth-line winger and sometimes as a rotational extra defenseman. More importantly, it lets the Panthers easily give extra shifts to Barkov or Tkachuk, essentially asking them to replace Bennett.

It’s another option Florida has to consider while it plays without its second-line center in the middle of a desperate postseason push.

“It is a challenge. If you’ve got a schedule that allows that to happen and the health of the forwards, it can be a real challenge for you, for sure,” Maurice said. “I do think it keeps your best players engaged in the game, but health does play a big factor in whether you’re able to do it.”