The Panthers needed something, anything, to smile about. Since this is a crazy game that often doesn't make sense, OF COURSE the Panthers would beat owners of the best record in the NHL, the Anaheim Ducks.
After falling behind 2-0 early in the game, Panther fans were already rolling their eyes in full expectancy of another beat down. But the Cats came through with the biggest win of the year. Given the competition it was a win to be very proud of. You could see the sense of relief on everyone's face following the 3-2 victory.
New head coach Peter Horachek came aboard at a rough time. Three games in four nights did not lend itself to practice or implementing new systems. But even though the team lost to the Senators and Rangers on back to back days, the team had a different look to them. They played a bit tougher. More confident. Freer.
It is still all about scoreboard so the team wasn't happy. But Mike Weaver mentioned that the systems may have become "too complicated" under Kevin Dineen, and their play since his departure looks to be more simple, creative, and inspired. Jonathan Huberdeau finally is looking like the reigning Calder Trophy winner, and Nick Bjugstad is showing flashes of tremendous potential.
One game does not a season make, and the nine consecutive losses before this win could easily result in another fruitless campaign come season's end. But Horachek has a few days to work on his team's identity before their Friday night tilt at Minnesota.
There are some interesting grumblings about how the Dineen firing was handled which I am going to delve into over the next few days. Sounds like there was some pretty juicy stuff there.
But a new chapter has begun for the Florida Panthers, and it will be interesting to see if the team can start believing in themselves again after a great win over one of the best teams in the league. If they hadn't lost to some of the league doormats during their 9-game skid fans might be feeling a little better about this.
Nowhere to go but up, but that up needs to happen FAST.
Dan Spiegel...
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