After an exciting win over the Washington Capitals on Thursday in a chippy tilt, the Panthers are set to take on the Colorado Avalanche today on the eve of Super Bowl LVIII.
This is set to be a very entertaining matchup, as
Kevin Weekes reports on NHL.com reports:
“
The Avalanche (32-16-4) have lost three straight games coming out of the All-Star break following a 5-2 defeat at the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday -- the second time this season they've lost three in a row (0-1-2, Nov. 30-Dec. 3). Center Nathan MacKinnon, for me, is a lock for the Hart Trophy as NHL most valuable player with what he has done (85 points; 32 goals, 53 assists, second in the League in scoring). Defenseman Cale Makar has 60 points (13 goals, 47 assists) in 47 games and is on pace for 98 points, which would be a League career high. Goalie Alexandar Georgiev has and will continue to get the bulk of the starts, but let's see if Colorado bolsters the backup position prior to the NHL Trade Deadline on March 8.
The Panthers (32-15-4) are a fast, physical, complete team. The goaltending, with Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz, has been good all season. Forward Matthew Tkachuk has found his stride after a slow start following his injuries during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs; he had five goals in his first 36 games but has 12 in his past 15. Forward Sam Reinhart is second in the NHL in goals with 38 and also has 63 points. They are a very well-balanced team in every facet of the game and look like they can make another run at the Cup this season.”
I feel like today’s game will be all about speed and skill. Both teams have these attributes and are in the same place (second) of their respective divisions with nearly identical records.
Do t be surprised if we see some snarl out of the Cats. This group has certainly upped their nasty side and no longer allow themselves to be pushed around. They hunt in a pack and it’s great to see.
Gotta keep your eye on Makar…
I’m saying 3-2 Cats when the final horn blows.
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Go Panthers!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
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