The Panthers celebrate Star Wars Night as they look to channel the Force and stay out of the dark side of the win column after dropping their past three home games - while giving up 16 goals in the process.
Those three games were all pretty weak efforts by the Cats. Even when they got ahead, they let the other team back in countless times - especially against Nashville.
They’ll take on an Ottawa Senators team that is 19-28-5. Despite the poor record and being third-from-last in the Atlantic Division, the Sens have some talented youth and have been rebuilding around this nucleus.
While their play has been indicative of a rebuilding team, the Sens are capable (and have shown) they can break out and pile on goals. Let’s not forget the beating Ottawa put on the Cats back in December when the score was 8-2 at the final horn. On a personal note, I really like the game Adam Gaudette brings and enjoy watching him play.
The big news this week was the signing on KHLer/Finnish Gold Medalist defenseman Petteri Lindbohm. While it’s unclear when he might get into the lineup, the more I’m reading about him, the more excited I’m getting. He has a lot of familiarity with a number of the Panthers roster (having played with them over the years) and seeing many comment on him being a physical player and solid worker in his own end (thanks to Ratsreign for that Steve Ellis Tweet) is very encouraging.
I’m not saying Zito should be done with moves, but this is hopefully a good start…
For Panthers fans: Lindbohm is a solid depth signing. Played a strong own-zone game with Finland at the recent Olympics and he can play a physical game.
— Steven Ellis (@StevenEllisTHN) February 28, 2022
Now that he’s cleared entry waivers, the #FlaPanthers announce they’ve signed defenseman Petteri Lindbohm to a one-year contract.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) March 1, 2022
Zito: “Petteri is a physical, experienced and capable defenseman who has succeeded on various levels of international hockey.…
Lindbohm has played internationally with Barkov, Lundell and Luostarinen, so he should feel pretty comfortable with the #FlaPanthers right away.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) March 1, 2022
Lundell on Lindbohm, who he won silver with at the Worlds in 2021:
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) March 2, 2022
“He’s a really funny guy. I think he fits well here. He’s a big, strong D-man that moves the puck well. He plays a good 2-way game. … I texted him when I saw the news. I think he’ll love it here. He’s excited.… pic.twitter.com/LsHQqxqgag
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How about a nice win tonight? Go Panthers!