Panthers snap losing skid thanks to Ekblad's impressive return
The Florida Panthers put an end to a four-game losing streak against one of the hottest teams in the league on Friday.
Roberto Luongo made 27 saves for his fourth shutout of the season in a 4-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, and it's no coincidence that the Atlantic Division leaders got back in the win column in Aaron Ekblad's return to the lineup.
The @FlaPanthers have now won 13 straight games...that Aaron Ekblad has played in.
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) January 23, 2016
Ekblad - who missed four games after being slammed into the boards by Edmonton Oilers forward Matt Hendricks - hasn't been in the lineup for a loss since Dec. 12 against the Boston Bruins.
In his last 13 games, the Panthers have given up just 15 goals. In the four games he missed - all losses - they gave up 16.
The 19-year-old was third on the team with 20:32 minutes of ice time in his return, going plus-2 and putting the game out of reach with his 10th goal of the season.
(Courtesy: NHL.com)
Aaron Ekblad hits at least 10 goals in a season twice before turning 20- 1st D-man to do that since Phil Housley (1982-83- 19, 1983-84- 31)
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) January 23, 2016
Only Brent Burns, Justin Faulk, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Shea Weber, and Dustin Byfuglien have more goals by a defenseman than Ekblad this season.
Even though he only has 125 games on his NHL resume, it's becoming increasingly evident that he's a critical part of the Panthers' success on a nightly basis. The Blackhawks witnessed that firsthand Friday.
#FlaPanthers are 13-3-1 this season when Ekblad registers a point. 🔑
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) January 23, 2016
Quite simply, the Panthers are a completely different team without last year's Calder Trophy winner.