Despite the outcome on Thursday night, that was my favorite game of the season so far.
But why? They lost?
True. They certainly did lose, and their winning streak ended in the process. But damned if that was not an ultra-competitive tilt between two playoff teams on top of their games right now. Not only that, but we were treated to a display of high class goaltending on both sides. Bob and Pyotr Kochetkov were absolutely fantastic to watch!
Nothing like being on the road, in enemy territory, playing at a playoff pace, and the game on a razor’s edge from the opening puck drop, to get your blood pumping.
Hey, if the Panthers stay onside, it could have ended up being a different outcome…
Barkov: “I think it was a good game by both teams. A tough game. We know how they play, they know how we play. It was a good example of how both teams play out there. I think both teams tried to everything right. That’s how it ended up, 0-0 almost all the way to the end."
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) February 23, 2024
Ekblad: “It came down to 19 seconds. That’s a playoff game, there’s no doubt about it. That’s two teams colliding that play almost the exact same way. There’s almost no room out there for anybody."
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) February 23, 2024
Tonight
Loses are going to happen. And as much as they stink (especially losing late), it’s even worse losing Tkachuk and Forsling to injuries during the Carolina game. It sounds like both guys are “day to day… at the moment. I’d be surprised if they played tonight.
The Cats will take on the Washington Capitals tonight beck home in Florida. Washington is on a bit of a heater for themselves, winning their last three games — helping them hem slide into fourth of the Metropolitan Division. It seems their offense has started to click at the right time. However, their defense is their weak point, allowing 3.05 goals a game. This pairs well with a Florida offense that’s averaging 3.28 goals a game.
For the Panthers, their defense is a surprising focal point this season - allowing only 2.40 goals a game.
Prior to the Tkachuk / Forsling injuries, and Washington getting hot, I would have predicted the Panthers closing this one out with relative ease. But I think this is going to be another right game. WSH is making a strong push in the second half here, and the Panthers are a great benchmark for teams competing in the East, so this should be another awesome game. ______________________
Let’s get that W…Go Panthers!