Last night the dice were hot. Two crits in the first combat (one with Howling Strike, another with Avalanche Strike), then another in the second (on Howling Strike). The ranger and paladin also critted the first combat, and we were apologizing to the DM for destroying his carefully planned encounter (while laughing maniacally of course).
I took tons of damage this time. Due to a paladin using Paladin's Judgement plus a raging Primal Vitality plus Beacon of Hope, I got better, though. I really don't think Recuperating Strike would have been worth it. The temp hp from Rageblood Vigor and Primal Vitality have been more than enough so far, even without ever having to use my once per day Healing Word from multiclassing. Of course, we have plenty of healing to go around in the party, but I was still not the most healed PC, so I'm not a drain on healing.
Swift Panther Rage is great! I'm glad I took it over Bloodhunt Rage. The +2 movement is good for those long charges (with chainmail my move is 5), but the shift two squares as a Move is the real winner here. It allows me to get to flanking very easily, which gives a +2 to hit. Mix it with Pressing Strike, and I can shift four squares then attack for the same damage as Howling Strike.
Comparatively to the other PCs, I don't think I'm overpowered, even though I am very excited about this PC. I do more damage than anyone else, but it isn't too high above the others, and I have the lowest AC in the party (paladin, ranger, cleric, wizard) while being on the front line. The paladin has been good at keeping enemies on him so far. Without a defender, things would get much more dangerous, in which case I would recommend Recuperating Strike, and pray it can save you.