The Panthers snapped their seven-game road losing streak on Friday night when they beat the dysfunctional Desert Dogs (Arizona Coyotes) 3-1 at Gila Arena. Not the most entertaining game but the Cats beat a team they should beat and learned they can win on the road, so…mission accomplished.
They now head to the land of Coors Light and headache-enducing altitude to take on the Colorado Avalanche.
The Panthers are feeling good heading into tonight. Aside from averaging 3.77 goals per game and getting scoring throughout the lineup (especially their stars), the Panthers have tightened up defensively to only allow 2.69 goals a game. Rounding this all out is the strong play of Bob - who is 12-1-2 in 17 games, boasting a 2.33 GAA and .922 save percentage.
Guys…the Panthers are #1 in the league for a reason. They’re very good.
This skill we be tested tonight against an Avalanche team that’s on a three-game winning streak and coming off a strong game against Detroit where they beat the Wings by a men’s league score of 7-3.
Despite a slow start to the season (which surprised a lot of people), Colorado has been heading in the direction and have become one of the best teams in the league. With a 15-7-2 record, the Avs sit in fourth of the Central Division.
They have a high-flying offense that averages 4.38 goals per game with fast, talented players who can overwhelm the opposition with their rushes. Their weakness lies in their defense - giving up 3.42 goals per game. This statistic favors the the Panthers and they should be fired up to do what they do best and get rubber to the net.
🎥 Coach Brunette & Forsling from today's practice in Denver! pic.twitter.com/9mcNAvnYoU
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) December 11, 2021
I agree with Brunette here. Florida will have to play the body tonight to slow the high octane weapons on the Colorado side.
Sit back, relax and strap it down. We should be in for a good one tonight!
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See you at puck drop…Go Panthers!
(Image from Florida Panthers Virtual Vault)