Carter Verhaeghe recorded a goal and an assist in the Florida Panthers’ 5-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, extending his point streak to five games. He has seven points during the run, including three goals and four assists, along with 16 shots and a plus-3 rating. Verhaeghe’s production has helped drive a strong start to his season.
Verhaeghe has 15 points, including nine goals and six assists, in 16 games this season. His point total ranks fifth among Florida Panthers players, while his nine goals are tied with Sam Reinhart for the team lead. Verhaeghe also leads the Panthers with two game-winning goals.
“I think just consistency,” Verhaeghe said of the recent stretch of games. “We’ve been being consistent over the last couple, putting pucks in deep, sticking to our game.” His five-game run has combined steady production with a plus-3 rating. The streak has also pushed his season totals higher in both goals and assists.
Efficiency strengthens Verhaeghe’s impact
Verhaeghe is making the most of his scoring chances. His 26.5% shooting percentage leads the Panthers, and his two game-winning goals are also the most on the team. Those figures give him a significant role in Florida’s finishing and late-game production.
His impact extends beyond the scoresheet. Verhaeghe has a plus-6 rating, tied with Lars Eller and Niko Mikkola for the team lead, while his 18:16 average time on ice ranks third among Panthers forwards behind Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk. At 5-on-5, Florida has outscored opponents 14-7 when Verhaeghe has been on the ice.
Verhaeghe played his 500th career game on Oct. 25 in Chicago. Head coach Paul Maurice said Verhaeghe’s consistency has been evident throughout the season and pointed to his work on Sandis Vilmanis’ second goal. “Just incredible consistency,” Maurice said. “I think the game he played tonight, he’s played almost all year, he’s been as consistent as he’s ever been for us. Just battling on the puck for Sandis (Vilmanis’) second goal, he’s not just a shooter by any means.”
Sam Reinhart also highlighted the traits that have helped Verhaeghe remain effective as games develop. “He’s always kind of had that playoff game where he skates so fast, his shot is so heavy and his release is good,” Reinhart said. “When games get tired, that’s kind of when he gets better. He breaks through that pressure.” Reinhart’s assessment matches Verhaeghe’s scoring efficiency and two-way contribution reflected in his season numbers.
Panthers begin road trip in Washington
The Florida Panthers begin a three-game road trip against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET. Verhaeghe enters the trip with points in five consecutive games and the team’s best shooting percentage. His current production gives Florida a central offensive storyline as the road stretch begins.
FSB Take
Verhaeghe’s five-game streak is significant because his contribution extends beyond goals and assists. His team-leading shooting percentage, plus-6 rating and 14-7 5-on-5 scoring edge while he is on the ice show production on both sides of play. That combination makes his performance an important factor for the Panthers as they open the three-game road trip.
Source: Original report