Anton Lundell’s NHL career is well underway when compared to the players ahead of him in the first round in 2020.
“Lunkka” Lundell forcefully passes Colorado’s star pack Cale Makari and goalkeeper Alexandar Georgiev who played in TPS. AOP / USA TODAY Sports
- The Panthers are fighting furiously for a playoff spot.
- Anton Lundell is one of the most effective players in his reserve age group at this point.
South Florida’s puck pride Panthers are currently on the worse side of the NHL playoff line. However, the middle stages of the Eastern Conference are very even, and the Panthers still have all the seams to make the playoffs.
Of course, it’s not easy, the percentages are not on the team’s side.
The schedule for the end of the regular season is an advantage for the team. The Finnish Panthers will play no less than 15 of the last 23 games of the regular season in their home hall.
– Basically, it’s an advantage. There is not a lot of traveling and night flights at the end of the regular season. Let’s try to take advantage of this situation, he thinks Anton Lundell.
– But you have to be ready for every game. We have to win every game, that’s how tight we are.
Must be used correctly
The panthers were on the road a lot, especially in January. The team has now played 64 matches. Players start to tire mentally and physically.
A member of the team’s coaching group Tuomo Ruutu is satisfied with the program for the rest of the season.
– When you use the days off correctly, that’s an advantage. Of course, I’d rather have a home game at the end of the regular season, says the country’s only NHL-level bench coach.
Changes
Last season, the Panthers won the President’s award, meaning the team was number one in the NHL regular season. This season, the team’s game has not followed the same pattern at all.
– As you know, there were a lot of changes in this team in the summer. It took time to find my own style and way of playing. I think in January we found our own game, we started winning more games, Lundell says to Iltalehte.
– Stupid mistakes have been removed. Now we know how to play better in tight situations and we are better in the lead position.
New coat
Tyler Seguin of the Dallas Stars tries to stop Anton Lundell. AOP / USA TODAY Sports
Experienced Paul Maurice will pilot the Panthers in his first season. The 56-year-old Canadian has more than 20 years of head coaching experience in the NHL.
– His knowledge bank is really big. Note that he has been around for a long time. Maurice knows what it takes to win and be successful. I did like his style.
– It’s never easy to jump to a new team. I guess there’s always something to do. Our direction is right, says Lundell.
The 21-year-old Lundell has scored 9+19=28 power points in 55 regular season games.
– It’s pretty much the same for me as it is for the team. Upcoming season. In my opinion, I played quite well in the early season, but I just didn’t get any points. It was a bit of a struggle, but I trusted that things would turn around.
– Lately it has felt better. As a chain, a lot of scoring opportunities have been created. I feel that I am an important part of the team, Lundell thinks.
The next step
The second season of the 185-centimeter center forward in the NHL is underway. The rookie season brought 18 goals and 44 power points to the statistics.
– I feel that I am a more comprehensive player than last season. Last season the team played well. This season, our style of play is more defensive, and we don’t score as many goals.
– I’m going one step at a time in my career. I feel that I am stronger and tougher in situations. I have been able to take the next step, believes the second-generation discus player.
In good speed
Lundell’s career in the bullpen has gotten off to a good start when compared to the players booked in 2020 ahead of him.
In the first round of the booking event in Helsinki, the Panthers called number 12. Ten field players and one goalkeeper were booked ahead of him.
That year’s number one reservation was Canadian Alexis Lafreniere. The New York Rangers’ forward has barely scored more power points (44+39=83) than Lundell (27+45=72) at this point.
However, Lafreniere has already played 197 regular season matches, while the Finn’s number of games is 120.
The point guard for the age group at this point is the forward of the Ottawa Senators Tim Stützle. The German bull has already scored 153 points in 190 matches.
Mies is playing his third season in the NHL, Lundell his second.
Of those booked with numbers lower than Lundell, in addition to the above, only one player has scored more points than the Finn. Detroit Red Wings’ Swede Lucas Raymond has scored 90 points in 137 games.