Washington Capitals: 2019 Predictions for Richard Panik

We are in the homestretch of our Washington Capitals player previews. Richard Panik, you’re up.

The Washington Capitals championship turnover took longer than typical for most teams, this offseason they needed to find a replacement for fan favorite sniper Brett Connolly. With limited salary cap space they elected a two-way forward instead of another offensive only weapon, Richard Panik.

In comes Richard Panik, from the Arizona Coyotes, who fit the bill for what the new vision the Capitals had for their team dynamic. As mentioned with the limited resources, the Capitals had to take a more open view of areas for growth potential. This led to them making an attempt to better the team defense as opposed to replacing the departed secondary scoring threats. Additions of this variety are more cost effective and usually have more options on the open market.

The general consensus for where Panik will fit is directly in the open slot left by Connolly, as 3rd line RW. As evidenced by Panik’s history he will be an asset for both sides of the puck.  For his career Panik has a 50.3% offensive zone starts at 5v5 (oZS%) and a 49.7% defensive zone starts at 5v5 (dZS%). This shows his teams trust in him no matter the situation.

More from Editorials

• Alex Ovechkin will score 50 goals in 2023-24
• It’s time for Capitals fans to chill out with the Anthony Mantha hate
• The Capitals Have Several Potentially Bad Contracts
• Nic Dowd looks to show reliability
• Dylan Strome’s Contract Could Be A Steal For The Capitals

Another factor in the trust bestowed on Panik is his ability to maintain possession, given his career 51.8 CF%. Panik has a tendency to protect the puck and hunger for getting the puck as well, considering the differential of takeaways to giveaways for his career 167:134 (TK:GV).

This establishes his two-way play mindset, however what has his offensive production looked over his career. The offensive side was not a skill set available to Panik right away, it took some development. For his first four seasons Panik averaged 6 goals, 6 assists and 12 points.

In his next three seasons he averaged 17 goals, 21 assists and 38 points. Coincidentally, his possession numbers were directly related to his change in offense his CF% in the first four seasons was 49.2 versus the following three with a 51.9 CF%.

When Connolly was with the Capitals his numbers were relatively the same in terms of offense, with an average of 15 goals, 17 assist for 32 points.

The slight difference between the two can be attributed to Panik being counted on for more offense with the Coyotes versus Connolly being on a more potent offensive team.

Also it helps with Panik getting an average of 15:41 TOI over the same three years as Connolly who had an average of 12:06 TOI.

Considering the above and the teams move to a more balance team with the top two lines providing the lions share of offense and the bottom two provided more sound defense, Panik will at least provide comparable offense while improving the defense and possession game for the 3rd line.

With line mates Lars Eller and Carl Hagelin, I would peg Panik to produce in the neighborhood of 15-20 goals and 15-20 assists to be a 30-40 point player. He will also help keep the other team off the scoreboard as well given his ability to take the puck, which will provide additional boost to the scoring differential.

An area the Capitals sought to improve, and Panik will be a large contributor to any improvement the team will find in this facet. Lets hope Panik doesn’t leave his teammates hanging.