The Panthers sure make it scary for their fans, huh?
After starting the season 0-2-0, Florida rolled into New Jersey and found themselves up 4-0 in the third.
Then the wheels came off and the Cats were hanging on to a 4-3 lead…
The Panthers are no strangers to blowing leads. Even when they were pouring on the offense and goals the past couple seasons, fans could never really relax because the threat of losing those leads (and ultimately the game) was very real.
Though still early, we’re seeing a lot of the same issues Florida has faced the past few seasons.
The biggest? Special teams.
The PP in particular continue to be atrocious. 1/4 in New Jersey and then Devils going 2/5 - with the Panthers tallying penalties in the third, allowing NJ’s momentum to roll. Kulikov was very lucky to get away with that tripping call late…I just assume at this point nothing will get fixed in this very vital area of the game.
Of course there are good things, too…
Perhaps the biggest positive so far is the play of Evan Rodrigues. This guy has some serious talent and looks to be the right compliment to Barkov and Reinhart.
One of the things that stands out to me with his play is his vision. He seems to have a knack for finding guys out front. He had a great connection with Rhino the other night where it looked like he was going to shoot, but he dished a hot pass /shot to Reinhart, who then buried it.
Tonight
Florida will be on home ice and have an opportunity to pounce on a strong Toronto team that stumbled in their last game when the rebuilding Blackhawks scored a major upset, downing the Leafs 4-1.
It won’t be easy, however. The Panthers will have their hands full with all the offensive weapons touted by the Maple Leafs — with Austin Matthews leading the way.
Here’s what Winners and Whiners is saying:
“The Panthers are looking to step up at home but the Maple Leafs are off to a strong start and look to control this game on both ends of the ice. The Maple Leafs should create plenty of scoring chances against a Panthers defense that has allowed 3.67 goals per game with Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence and creating scoring chances with quick passes. The Maple Leafs should limit a Panthers offense that is scoring only 2.67 goals per game with John Klingberg, Morgan Rielly, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Ilya Samsonov to make plenty of big saves. The Maple Leafs should win the game with a strong performance on the road.“
Let’s hope that last sentence doesn’t come to fruition. ___________________________
Big challenge tonight…Go Panthers!
Hey, when do you think they will unveil their 30th anniversary sweaters??
A closer look at our 30th Anniversary logo 🎨 pic.twitter.com/5J3tyCqzS2
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) July 26, 2023