The Panthers set sail on a four-game road trip that starts tonight in Detroit against the 16-13-7 (sneaky good) Red Wings.
The Cats are coming off a 5-3 win over Arizona earlier this week in what I think was one of their better games. Eric Staal has been very good for Florida as of late, but what really stood out to me in the win over Arizona was the play of Givani Smith and Lomberg. Smith in particular was great not only playing the physical game, but he battled it out in front of the net all night. These guys need more distribution out front and he brought it.
Smith and Lomberg are role players this team needs to get going every night. Florida has enough guys with skill who want to play fancy. Let Smith play the heavy physical/tough game, while Lomberg can use his motor to be both physical and a pest. Sometimes I think he tries to play a little bit above his pay grade (if you will), instead of focusing on his strengths: forecheck, physicality, pesty, etc.
Finding a balance between skill and grit will do wonders for this team.
So let’s see another strong showing tonight and a good win!
Not that I’m an ASG guy, but congrats to Tkachuk for getting the nod for this year’s all-star festivities. Well-deserved if you ask me. He’s been the best guy on the Cats this season.
No surprises here 🤩#NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/qGNm6BY11w
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) January 6, 2023
__________________
Go Panthers!