The Comeback Cats were on full display yesterday afternoon in Newark, New Jersey when the Panthers took on the Devils.
After 40 minutes of absolutely awful hockey, Florida decided to come alive the last 20 minutes and some change - scoring four goals in the third to tie the game and then getting the game winner in OT.
My heart kind of goes out to Devils fans because blowing that game seems to be a perfect summary of their 2021-22 season frustrations.
As a Panthers fan, I’m happy they battled back and got the win. It was awesome/exciting to watch. But come on, guys…waiting until the last minute to wake up? They’re honestly lucky they got the W.
Those first two periods from Florida were atrocious. it was a carousel of turning the puck over via nonsensical passing, losing battles and a general lack of effort. Bob was left out to to dry on every goal, save for maybe one.
The Cats have done a good job this year of matching whatever game their opponent brings, but I’ve noticed that the combination of an opponent having speed and the Panthers having an off start is especially deadly to Florida.
Despite an awful season, it looks like the Devils are heading in the right direction with youth and speed. Those two elements no doubt caught Florida - the superior team - by surprise.
Heading into Buffalo, the Cats will encounter a similar team in the Sabres that they saw in New Jersey.
Buffalo has also had an up and down season, but like NJ, they’re headed in the right direction. I believe moving Jack Eichel and getting back a guy like Alex Tuch and other young pieces was the best move for the organization.
The Sabres are competitive and have even pulled some Comeback Cats moves of their own, with the most recent example coming against the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this week when t they came back from a four goal deficit to win the game in the dying seconds of the third.
So while teams like New Jersey and Buffalo look like something the Panthers should feast on, we’ve learned that they can’t take anyone for granted.
No doubt about it that Florida underestimated the Devils yesterday and paid the price for two periods. Its the exact same situation today: afternoon game against a “weaker… opponent. Hopefully the Cats learned their lesson yesterday and understand they have to start on time today - something they struggle mightily with regarding afternoon games.
Same Bat time, same Bat channel today.
Let's finish the weekend with a W 😴#FLAvsBUF | #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/eVjlsMhELt
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) April 3, 2022
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Enjoy the game…Go Panthers!