Barkov, though, went out with an injury in late October, pushing Trocheck to center. He eventually worked his way up the lineup and started playing with Jokinen and Smith. Bjugstad was out all of December. Bolland hasn't played since Dec. 12. Barkov, who missed 10 games early in the season, missed six more in February.
Trocheck never wavered.
The Panthers played 31 of 52 games between Oct. 24 through Feb. 20 without one of Barkov or Bjugstad, including seven without Bjugstad and Bolland in December. Trocheck had 20 points in those 31 games and Florida went 19-9-3.
"I've always known what I was capable of, it was just a matter of getting an opportunity and capitalizing on it, taking full advantage of it," Trocheck said. "This year, I've had the best opportunity I've had since I got here."
Trocheck's rise has also set him up for an opportunity to cash in this summer, when he can become a restricted free agent. He's already proven his worth to Tallon and the Panthers. Hey, he saved their tails, right?
"Saving a season is a strong statement, but without him no chance we'd be in this spot right now," Jokinen said. "That's a fair thing to say. When we've needed him, he's been there and he's been really reliable."