The Birthday
It's that time of the year where I pay homage to my man, Aaron Ekblad. Ekblad has been all that and a pair of pants for the Panthers this season. Brian Campbell has been the perfect partner for Ekblad as the rookie eases (22 minutes a night) into the NHL. Ekblad currently sits second on the Cats in scoring with 29 points and is on pace for 48 points this season. To put that into perspective: Stamkos had 46 points, Tavares had 54, Hall had 42, Nuge had 52, Yakupov had a prorated 53-point pace with the lockout season, while Mackinnon had 63 points in their 18 year old seasons. Ekblad is right in the mix with those guys and he plays defense on an offensively challenged team. Impressive. Ekblad's defensive game is growing each day and he's even started taking some reps on the PK the past few games. He has become the point man and quarterback of the Panthers revamped 1-3-1 PP unit and appears to be settling into that role as well. Without further ado here are my top three Ekblad moments so far this season along with my commentary on what I think makes each play special. 3. Ekblad's excellent finish on Jokinen’s feed.
a) His outlet pass to start off the play hitting Trocheck with speed through the neutral zone. b) His timely pinch to gather the puck and safely play it around the boards. c) His excellent read jumping into the open on the far side and giving Jokinen a target before finishing with his wrist shot.
a) His read to jump into the play. b) His speed burst between the red line and the offensive blue line. c) His pass between the stick and the skate of the defender right on Barkov’s tape.
a) His long pass across the blueline to spread out the penalty killers. b) His quick release quarter swing slapper from the blue line before PKers are set. c) His ability to get the shot through traffic and on net is just like his hero Lidstrom.
There are quite a few different and less funny perspectives on birthdays but all I can say is Happy 19th Birthday Aaron Ekblad. Blow out those candles and wish for a playoff berth this season. Just don’t tell anyone or it may not come true. Oh to be 19 and a stud...Ekblad gonna Ekblad...
