Here with a quick one due to work and the early pick drop:
While the Cats were without Barky and Tkachuk for their Game 3 loss, that was no excuse for the effort (or lack thereof) that Florida brought to Buffalo on Saturday night. The team was off, and the rust on Knight was very apparent – the most obvious example when he came out and misplayed a puck, scrambled, got back into the net and was beat totally clean with a shot from the point, a shot in which he saw all the way with no traffic in front of him.
The thing I have pointed out before regarding Knight is that he seems to struggle with being able to move on after letting in a goal or two. I could be reading too much into it, but it looks like he dwells on goals. His body language shows it. I’m still confused as to why Driedger was sent down and Knight brought up, but I know there must be a plan there (cap, NHL experience, etc…)
So, the Cats are now 1-2-0 and will be facing the 2-1-0 Bruins in the dreaded matinee game today. Boston is going to be looking for revenge after their opening night beating. If the Panthers can’t get back to that Game 1 play, they will be on the receiving end of a crushing.
Gotta bounce back and come out strong today!
Schmidt on early-season adversity: “You might as well plunge yourself right into it early because it’s going to come throughout the year. Might as well get it done with and hope this is the only thing you run into.…
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) October 13, 2024
Go Panthers!