Follow @SpiegelSports There are two sides to the coin of Thursday night's game against Boston.
Jaromir Jagr passed Mark Messier for 2nd all-time on the NHL points list with an assist on a Sasha Barkov shot that grazed his rear end in the 3rd period. The game was briefly stopped and he was given a golden hockey stick in honor of his accomplishment.
The crowd and players from both sides were loudly appreciative of the herculean effort that Jagr has shown his entire career.
That was the happy moment.
The game was another story for the Panthers. This four point contest was largely important for early jockeying for playoff position. Boston and Tuuka Rask continued their dominance over Florida with a 3-1 victory. Rask is now 18-3-1 all-time against the Cats and 3-0 this season.
Games like this are the kind that will keep Florida on the playoff bubble all season.
They were sleepwalking through the first half of the first period as the Bruins dominated. Florida was lucky to get out of the first scoreless but reality set in during the second period with two Boston goals within 3:04. Those ended up being the difference in a litmus test that was largely failed by the Panthers.
The up and down efforts for this team continue, and from night to night it's a crapshoot of what to expect. Tonight they get a chance to rebound against a Red Wings team they have dominated in recent years, including 3-0 this year.
After the game, Jagr was appreciative of the accolades but upset about the game.
“I was dreaming of something else,… Jagr said. “I was dreaming of a beautiful goal, a beautiful assist, and we win the hockey game.
“It’s not the way I wanted it to go, but we have to put it behind us and concentrate on winning games. That wasn’t a very good game.…
Jagr could barely lift his head up during the post-game interview, as he was clearly more upset with the loss than any bestowed honors.
Since the controversial firing of Gerard Gallant, Florida has been as unpredictable as ever. They have stretches where they look like one of the best teams in the league and then they have five minute lapses where they look lost and confused.
Call it growing pains. Call it transition. Whatever it is, it is not acceptable at this point in the season and there needs to be an effective response on this holiday homestand to get close in the divisional race.
The spotlight on this club is searing hot after Gallant and the analytics craze. After each subpar effort the natives and players get more restless. For the noise to subside, more consistency is needed.
This homestand should be foreboding on what awaits in 2017.
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