The Florida Panthers are currently sporting a comfortable 2-0 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. While there is still more work to be done, the Panthers are in a great position right now.
One of the main reasons for the Panthers' excellent start this series has been because of former Colorado Avalanche forward Evan Rodrigues. The 30-year-old has stepped up his game big time during the most important series of the playoffs and has been one of their most important offensive contributors.
After scoring a goal in Game 1 against the Oilers, Rodrigues had an even better performance for the Panthers in Game 2. The skilled forward scored two goals in the third period, including one that would become the eventual game-winner. Needless to say, he has already been a huge difference-maker for the Panthers this series.
Rodrigues' hot streak actually started in Game 6 against the New York Rangers, as he recorded an assist in the Panthers' series-clinching matchup. Because of this, the Toronto native has three goals and four points over his last three games.
The Panthers brought Rodrigues in this past offseason with the expectation that he would provide their middle six with more offense. So far, he has given them just that, and he is doing so at the most crucial time of the year. The undrafted forward has been incredibly clutch, and it will be fun to see how he builds off it from here.
