The matinee game during the week is always a double-edged sword for the working stiff that is unable to watch. On one hand, if the Cats play bad, you didn’t miss anything. On the other hand, it could be a great game…
From the highlights and everything I read in the comment sections from fans, it sounds like yesterday’s matinee was the latter - filled with fiery/gritty play and physical exchanges as two bitter rivals fought it out.
Bummed I missed it!
The positive, of course, is that Florida came out with the 4-3 win. Coming off two tough losses, the victory was much needed.
But the Panthers can’t sit back just yet. They quickly turn around tonight to play the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Both teams sit at .500 with FLA at 2-2 and CBJ at 1-1.
The Jackets enter this season as an emotionally-charged team following the tragic loss of both Johnny Gadreau and his brother Matthew this past summer.
“The Blue Jackets will pay tribute to brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, with the Gaudreau family in attendance and a Number 13 frozen into the ice behind each net, in what will be an very emotional home-opener. On the ice, the Blue Jackets bounced back from dropping its first game to the Minnesota Wild with a 6-4 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.…
One line in particular for Florida has been gaining a lot of praise on the early start to this season, and that is the Lostarinen - Lundell - Reinhart trio.
Maurice on the Lostarinen/Lundell/Reinhart line:
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) October 14, 2024
"It's our safety blanket. We can always come back to it. There's three penalty killers on that line and they scored four goals tonight."
In addition to his two goals, Lundell went 9/13 in the dot.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) October 14, 2024
Reinhart: “You guys have had a front-row seat since the start of the playoffs last year. He's just elevated his intensity, his compete level. He’s coming out with the puck almost every time."
Lastly…
47:15 of 5-on-5 ice time so far this season for Reinhart.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) October 14, 2024
Just 1 goal allowed by the Panthers in that time.
Minus those two losses where everyone was just kind of “off…, I think one of Florida’s secret weapons is their fourth line. Many of the guys rotating in and out of that bottom line aren’t just muckers and grinders. There’s a good amount of skill there with Gadjovich, J Boqvist, Giles, etc…
Given the recent post-Cup roster shed, and current tight cap situation, the Panthers are still able to roll out four competent lines. That’s a win to me. ______________________
Let’s get that W…Go Panthers!