It looks like Barkov could have some new linemates against the Senators.
After scoring four combined goals over their last three games, Panthers coach Joel Quenneville changed up the team's lines during today's practice in an effort to create more balanced attack.
Prior to that drought, Florida was averaging the fourth-most goals per game in the league (3.52).
"Balance," Quenneville said when asked about the changes up front. "A little bit of maybe a responsible guy on all the lines. Every line should be looking to score, but without the puck there's a purpose there as well."
One of the most-interesting new trios might be the combination of Barkov, Frank Vatrano and Brett Connolly. Vatrano, who has notched seven goals this season, is one of the team's fastest skaters, while Connolly has netted a team-high 14 goals, including eight over his last 13 games.
"They're both really good goal scorers," Barkov said. "They can shoot the puck and they can make plays. Obviously we need to work hard for the scoring chances and staying on the puck in the offensive zone. Those two are really good players, so I'm really looking forward to it."
Other notable changes include Jonathan Huberdeau and Noel Acciari flanking Vincent Trocheck on the second line, while Mike Hoffman and Evgenii Dadonov play with Brian Boyle on the third.
Before entering their current three-game losing streak, Florida had looked almost unbeatable while throttling the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1 and the San Jose Sharks 5-1 on back-to-back nights.
"I thought we played our two best games in a row," Quenneville said of those wins. "Then we came out with three games after that where, whether it was unpredictability or the compete level, and all of the sudden you don't have the puck. You're technically a little bit off."
Moving forward, the Panthers hope to channel their anger from recent losses into wins.
"We've got to find a way to do that," Yandle said. "We haven't been able to do that. It's got to come from in here. It's got to come with our group to be ready to pay and to take pride in playing angry and playing the right way angry. That doesn't going out and fighting and taking stupid penalties, it's just winning your shifts and doing a good job."
