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World Championships: Panthers’ stars not shining

Of the top thirty point scorers in the tournament, not a single Florida player is represented.

How about goal scorers? Not a one among that list either (though former Cat short-time defenseman Magnus Johansson is tied for 11th with three goals in four games).

Perhaps assists might be their forte? Nope. Bereft of anyone resembling a Panther, the top thirty marches along with only the recently-familiar name of Ruslan Salei cracking the list.

Face-off leaders? Plus-minus? Penalties? Zippo.

Don’t lose hope yet: we’ve had a Keith Ballard sighting at number 23 on the defenseman-scoring chart. The hip check King is firmly planted with one goal and one assist in five games and a plus-two ranking. USA! USA! He edges out Karlis Skrastins who possess the same offensive output but carries a plus-three with Latvia.

Given the David Booths, Tomas Vokouns, and Nathan Hortons of the club did not participate in the games, Panther fans can’t be expecting Marty St. Louis-type numbers (4gp-4g-7a-11p +6).

I honestly expected a bit more from Michael Frolik, but I’m not coaching him (and presumably one can’t argue with the use of Jaromir Jagr in his place).

Talking Points