The Florida Panthers have been receiving steady contributions from their blueline during the playoffs.
Florida’s defensemen have accounted for 15 goals and 41 points through 18 postseason games.
Now it’s not terribly surprising to see players like Aaron Ekblad to have 11 points or Seth Jones to have three goals, but the resurgence of defenseman Nate Schmidt has been a pleasant surprise.
In Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night, Schmidt had a gorgeous assist on a first period power play goal by Brad Marchand.
It was Schmidt’s first point in seven games for Florida.
He wasn’t done there, picking up another primary assist on Sam Bennett’s second goal of the game early in the second period.
Schmidt is now up to three goals and nine points during the postseason, but we have to wonder if his Game 1 helpers will spark some additional offensive production.
The veteran blueliner has seen his points come in bunches during the playoffs.
He scored three goals in a two-game span against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, then he logged four assists in five games during round two against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Those were all his postseason points prior to his two-assist outing in Edmonton, which was also Schmidt’s third multi-point game of the playoffs.
Will this be the start of another bust of offense from Schmidt?
The timing would be great for Florida, who find themselves down 0-1 in the series after dropping Game 1 in overtime.
Game 2 is set for Friday night at Rogers Place.
Considering the way his postseason has gone, placing a couple bucks on a Schmidt anytime point may be worth contemplating.
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Photo caption: Apr 22, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) is congratulated after he scored a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. (Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images)
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