Yandle’s versatility and ability to fuel the offense will be critical as the Panthers begin a three-game homestand at the BB&T Center on Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers (3-5-3, 9 points) are about to begin a stretch in which they play 14 games in 24 days, a stretch the Panthers hope will get them out of their early-season rut in which they recorded an NHL-low nine points during their first 11 games and have been outscored 41-34.
The Panthers likely don’t want Yandle to think too much either if it means seeing the production he has already created this year.
Heading into Wednesday’s slate of games, Yandle ranked fifth among defensemen while averaging a career-best 1.09 points per game. His team-leading nine assists are tied for 10th among blue line players.
But Yandle’s strength as of late is coming on the power play. When the Panthers are in a man-up situation, Yandle has thrived. He leads NHL defensemen with five power-play points and is one of five defensemen with multiple power-play goals so far this season. He tallied three points (2 goals, 1 assists) during the power play in the Panthers’ two-game Global Series matchup against the Winnipeg Jets in Helsinki, Finland, last week.