The Cats are on a three-game heater, their first of the season (hard to believe), as they gear up to take on the 27-19-4 Colorado Avalanche tonight.
The glass-half-empty side of me was almost certain the Panthers were going to stumble and drop the game against the Sharks on Thursday night — it would be such a Panther thing to do — but they came out strong, outshooting the Sharks 42-34 and (surprisingly) outhitting SJ 28-17. When it was all said and done, the Cats were on the right side of a 4-1 win, with Bob sliding into history after securing his 350th win.
However, tonight will be a bit different of a game when Colorado comes to town. It will be a battle of the opposites, if you will. Colorado has a stellar defensive game, giving up an average of 2.76 goals a game, whereas their offensive side has struggled, averaging 2.96 goals a night.
One of the impressive stats on the Av’s blue line that pops out at me is that Cale Makar and Devon Toews have combined for 146 blocked shots. Wow! And speaking of Makar…the guy is a phenomenon. He’s a true difference-maker and someone that’s capable of taking over a game single-handedly. You have to watch out when this guy is out there.
On the other side of the ice, the Panthers bread and butter lies in their offense, where they average 3.48 goals per game. But as we know, the defensive side of their game is anything but stellar — surrendering an average of 3.41 goals a game.
It’s obvious at this point that the Cats will not make a significant move by the TDL to add help on the backend. Or will they (keep reading a little further down…)?
It’s not that they won’t, it’s that they can’t because of cap issues and a lack of assets (picks/prospects) to be able to wheel and deal due after swinging for the fences last season and moving many of these pieces out. And so, Florida will rely on their offense to (hopefully) out-score teams, while simultaneously giving up a number of goals in the process. I would expect a lot of wild games coming up as the Cats will get into high-scoring affairs with opponents —trading blows on the scoresheet, while the Swiss cheese blueline surrenders them.
One thing Florida did this week in an attempt to help the defense out a bit was resign Josh Mahura to a one-year extension.
We have agreed to terms with Josh Mahura on a one-year contract extension through the 2023-24 season!
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) February 10, 2023
Per the announcement:
“Mahura, 24, has recorded career highs in goals (4), assists (7) and points (11) over 54 games with Florida this season, ranking second among Panthers defensemen with a plus-13 rating.…
For a guy they claimed off waivers from Anaheim that everyone expected would be a depth piece, Mahura has been a positive impact for the subpar Florida defense. He moves well out there, has some size, is responsible, and is probably the second best defenseman (next to Forsling) when it comes to knowing when/where to pick his spots.
Random Updates:
Duclair is still wearing the yellow sweater in practice. Something tells me he’s going to be moved by the deadline…
Sounds like Barkov is 50/50 to return tonight. From my perspective, there appears to be an interesting dynamic going on here with Barky since the Tkachuk signing. This became Tkachuk’s team almost as soon as he signed. Chuky’s skill and on-ice personality extends beyond the boards, where he is the mouthpiece for the club and has asserted himself as the true leader and captain. I’m not sure many would disagree with that.
While always a quieter leader and personality, Barkov has almost disappeared into the background this season. I have made some bold statements around this in the past, but I personally feel a big change is coming to the Cats…
The Tkachuk signing always signaled to me a changing of the guard in South Florida. I think it’s Zito laying the groundwork for an overhaul to the Panthers’ DNA — going from a generally soft team to play against (one that can’t survive the playoffs), to a much tougher team with legitimate snarl that is built for postseason hockey.
The core of this team (Barkov, Huberdeau and Ekblad) have had multiple chances over the years to make a legitimate run, yet consistently fell short and failed to get out of the first round. Just look at last season, they barely escaped Washington…
I believe Barkov will be moved at the TDL (or summer) for a really nice package. Zito will then use the much-needed money from the cap relief this summer to acquire solid pieces this club needs.
I don’t say this as an anti-Barkov guy. I like Barky a lot. He is an incredibly talented player and has always come off as a genuine human being. I just think times have changed in Florida hockey and he will be moved as a result. I think the Huberdeau/Weegar trade was the foreshadowing of this and the first of the dominos.
Maurice said “there’s a good chance… that Barkov plays tomorrow vs. #Avs.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) February 10, 2023
“If he feels like he can go, he’ll go. He’s not too far off.…
What do you guys think? _____________
Go Panthers!