George Richards, FHN Publisher
With sincere apologies to the Fox network’s 9-1-1 franchise, the Florida Panthers have found a lot to like about a new line consisting of newcomer Sam Bennett, Jonathan Huberdeau and Anthony Duclair.
Florida’s version of 9-1-1 has only had three episodes, but the reviews have been pretty good.
We’re not expecting coach Joel Quenneville to cancel Sunrise 9-1-1 any time soon.
They may go on hiatus, however.
With Mason Marchment expected to miss Thursday’s game against the visiting Carolina Hurricanes, it is possible Huberdeau (or Frank Vatrano) moves up to the top line for the time being.
But, once Carter Verhaeghe returns and goes back to his spot with Sasha Barkov and Nikita Gusev, Huberdeau will almost certainly be reunited with Bennett and Duclair.
UPDATE: Patric Hornqvist will join Barkov and Gusev tonight against Carolina.
“I wasn’t touching that line,” Joel Quenneville said Thursday morning.
The trio — Bennett (No. 9), Huberdeau (11) and Duclair (91) — have shown terrific chemistry and have generated chance after chance since their season premier Saturday night in Tampa.
“All three guys are really making it happen,’’ Quenneville said. “It’s been fun to watch.”
Bennett joined the cast last week just before the NHL’s trade deadline hit, Florida sending a second-round pick in 2022 and last year’s second-round selection (Emil Heineman) to Calgary for the hard-hitting forward.
Although he had mostly spent his time in Calgary playing a bottom-6 role, Quenneville wanted to see what Bennett could do with some of Florida’s better forwards.
So far, so good.
“I am having a lot of fun here with this group,’’ Bennett said Monday night.
Bennett’s first game with the Panthers saw him pick up assists on goals by Huberdeau and Brandon Montour.
In his first home game on Monday night, he scored a goal and got into a fight with Columbus defenseman Gavin Bayreuther as he jumped in after a high hit on Duclair.
“He knows I appreciate that very much and all the guys appreciate that,” Duclair said. “Obviously, you see that, that’s a teammate-first guy.
“I have played against him over the years and he is a guy who is not afraid to get into the battle. He’s a great teammate and we’re lucky to have him. I made sure I let him know that.”
Said Bennett: “They’re excited for me and that’s part of the game. You have to step up for your teammates sometimes. I am more than happy to do that.”
On Tuesday, Bennett kept the good times rolling, scoring twice in Florida’s 5-1 win over the Blue Jackets.
His first goal was set up on a 2-on-1 rush as he buried a pass from Huberdeau. Bennett’s second came in front of the net when he jumped on a rebound off a shot from Huberdeau.
“He brings a lot of things that we appreciate,” Quenneville said.
In the three games since this trio was put together, Bennett has five points (2-3, 5), Huberdeau has five (2-3, 5) and Duclair has six (1-5, 6) as he is on a seven-game scoring streak.
“I think we played fast,” Bennett said before Monday’s game.
“We were hunting pucks and controlled pucks. For me, I was trying to keep it simple early. We got some good looks and chances and capitalized on them. It’s great playing with them and I’m just looking to keep building on that chemistry.”
Following Tuesday’s win, Huberdeau says having the puck in the opponent’s zone as much as his line has is a blast.
“We’re finding chemistry out there just keeping things simple,’’ Huberdeau said. “Duke is really fast and Sam just goes to the net and finds the puck and puts it in.
“When you play in the offensive zone most of the night, that’s what makes it fun, you can contribute to the success of the team. That’s what we want to do, we want to be a good second line and that’s what we’ve been doing.”
Said Duclair: “I’m playing with some great players. The acquisition of Bennett was huge for us. He’s a big force down the middle. Huby is obviously one of the best playmakers in the league.”
As for Bennett, the so-called change of scenery appears to be working.
After being the fourth-overall pick in the 2014 draft — the one in which Florida took Aaron Ekblad first — Bennett never really lived up to his lofty selection in Calgary.
In Florida, no one really cares where Calgary drafted him. A restricted free agent, Bennett may have just found a home in South Florida.
And, with the playoffs coming, Bennett is excited to keep this train running.
In 30 postseason games with the Flames over four seasons, Bennett has 11 goals and 19 points.
“It’s going to be great,’’ Bennett said. “I love playoff hockey, that’s my favorite time of the year. I think we’re going to do some damage for sure.”
As for the 9-1-1 nickname, Quenneville seemed to like it when asked Thursday.
”Call the cops,” he said with a grin.
ON DECK: HURRICANES AT PANTHERS
When: Thursday, 7
Where: BB&T Center, Sunrise
Tickets: AVAILABLE HERE
Season series: Carolina leads 5-1
TV: BS-SUN, Fox Sports Go
Radio: WQAM 560-AM