Stephen Weiss was not happy with his first playoff game. He had no shots, took a penalty, and was a -1 for the game. Head coach Kevin Dineen said he didn't chirp about it, but rather decided to do something about it. Mission accomplished.
Weiss scored two power play goals, the first playoff goals in his 10-year career, to pace the Panthers in what would be a nerveracking 4-2 victory to even the series at one game a piece.
As is with these Panthers nothing comes easy. Not even a 3-0 lead going into the third period. Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk scored even strength goals 1:14 apart early in the third period to turn a raucous, celebratory crowd into one on the edge of their seats.
Earlier teams, specifically Jacques Martin teams, likely would have folded immediately to watch the Devils blow by them to go out to a 2-0 lead in the series. But there was no panic with the Panthers tonight.
Such a win probably is worth more to this team moving forward because they have learned two very valuable lessons through the first two games. Be prepared to play hard from the opening faceoff, and never rest on your laurels, no matter how big the lead. These are the playoffs. Things can change in a flash, and they did in the third.
Tomas Fleischmann's empty netter with one second left in the game was the icing on the cake to a gritty, responsible, disciplined effort by a Panther team that needed a reason to believe in itself.
The physical nature of the series is also a learning experience for the Panthers, and players like Jason Garrison, Ed Jovanovski, and Erik Gudbranson are leading the way with bruising hits. These Panthers have responded well to the challenge and another split of games in New Jersey will regain home ice for true white knuckle time.
The guys were certainly all smiles after the Carolina game to end the season and clinch the division. But another collective sigh of relief could be felt tonight as this team now feels it can win this series.
The grind between these teams is only going to get tougher, and Tuesday in New Jersey will be the biggest test yet regarding Florida's resolve and focus. A win might propel them to yet another level that seemed impossible just 9 months ago.
Twitter @DanSpiegel
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