Talk about finishing strong.

Former first-round pick Anton Lundell truly found his rhythm in the second half of his third NHL campaign, just in time to benefit the Florida Panthers.

The 22-year-old scored a total of 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in the regular season, with 22 of these points (11 goals, 11 assists) coming in the last 39 games of the season.

He was quick on the draw and also managed to achieve a career high by winning 54.9% of his faceoffs.

Lundell, who inked a six-year contract extension on July 3, found another gear when it mattered most in the playoffs, leveraging the momentum he had built.

“His game significantly improved,” expressed forward Sam Reinhart. “You could see the transformation even before Benny (Sam Bennett) left, but it was more evident after that. His game went to another level. He was productive and tough on the pucks. I believe it was clearly visible. I have nothing but praise for him.”

On the road to the Stanley Cup, the young Finn collected a postseason career high 17 points (three goals, 14 assists) in 24 games, ranking fourth on the team and 10^th in the league.

Lundell’s nine primary assists in the playoffs, which set up his linemates to score, were tied for fifth in the NHL.

“Lundy (Lundell) is an all-rounder,” stated Cats’ captain and compatriot, Aleksander Barkov. “Despite his youth, he’s displayed a level of maturity in his game from the time he joined the league. It’s almost hard to believe he’s still a young player. He prioritizes his defense and then his offense. His skill level is exceptional. Year after year, his performance has been extraordinary for us.”

At times, the scoresheet may not highlight the most crucial plays in a game, as they could go unnoticed.

Lundell assisted the Panthers in their playoff run by drawing 20 penalty minutes, leading to power plays. Only his teammate, Matthew Tkachuk, and Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl from Edmonton drew more penalty minutes in the NHL.

For the talented center who has already participated in 54 playoff games in just three seasons, this is a good company to be in.

COOL STAT

There may not be a greater indication of someone embracing the style of play of the Panthers.

Lundell, who was not initially recognized as an extremely physical player, did not hesitate to be more aggressive and throw his body around this season.

In the 2023-24 season, he amassed 61 hits, more than doubling his previous regular season hit totals of 26 and 29.

In the playoffs, the Stanley Cup champion averaged almost two hits per game, with a total of 44 hits in 24 games. This doubled his previous postseason record of 22 hits.

Look out for Lundy!

BEST GAME

It’s no surprise that one of Lundell’s best games came in the playoffs, just like his best play did.

In Boston, he stepped up while trailing 2-0 late in the second period when his team was leading the second-round series by 2-1. He provided the Cats with the momentum they needed.

He first reduced the deficit to 2-1 by one-timing a pass from Evan Rodrigues straight past Jeremy Swayman.

“Our team greatly benefited from scoring the first goal,” Lundell stated. “Despite having good opportunities early in the game, scoring in playoffs is quite challenging. We persevered, created more opportunities, and eventually succeeded. This gave us a great start to our game and we managed to set the pace. Our line performed well.”

Lundell didn’t stop there; he then assisted Bennett in a power-play strike just 3:41 into the third period, leveling the score at 2-2.

Lundell ended the game with two points, consisting of one goal and one assist, and also had two blocked shots and two hits. His 75.7 Corsi for percentage was the highest among all skaters, assisting the Panthers in extending their series lead to 3-1.

GOAL OF THE YEAR

Lundell’s impressive goal, arguably one of the best scored at Amerant Bank Arena this season, came with the added excitement of being during overtime.

He secured the win by scoring a tight-angle shot between the circle and redline, just 1:36 into overtime against Ottawa on Feb. 20. He was assisted by a pass from Tkachuk, which helped him beat Joonas Korpisalo and finalize the 2-2 tie.

“His epic goal is well-deserved,” Ekblad commented. “He’s consistently winning puck battles and making the right moves. His play is so exceptional, it’s worthy of making it to the ESPN Top 10 highlights.”

Lundell’s first overtime winner of his emerging career was the goal.

“He smiled, “For sure, one of the coolest moments I’ve had in this building.”

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