Call it a trap game for the Ducks. Make any excuse you want for them after coming off a tough home and home against the Kings and playing on a back to back against the Panthers. But what Florida did to Anaheim on Sunday night was nothing short of remarkable.
The 6-2 victory was the beginning of a tough Florida road trip that continues in Los Angeles tonight. What was most impressive with this victory is head coach Gerard Gallant's starting of backup goaltender Al Montoya against a solid offensive team that was getting Corey Perry back from illness. But the decision proved to be the right one as Montoya was stellar once again in the limited work he's received.
Nick Bjugstad is simply a man-child. After a slow start to the season he has turned it on of late and was hitting a post square from recording his first career hat trick against the Ducks. His 2 goals, 2 assists, and +4 rating were career highs and this key core player is starting to impose his will on the competition.
Another sight for sore eyes for Panther fans has been the play of Jonathan Huberdeau. There have been many questions surrounding his play since winning the Calder Trophy two seasons ago. Last year he was not 100% after off-season hip surgery, and this year also started off sluggish. But over the last 3-4 games his game has picked up. When he is standing out defensively it is only a matter of time before solid defense turns into good offense. His goal and assist against the Ducks is huge as he tries to get himself going. He's been much stronger and faster on his skates, and the reuniting with Gallant, his juniors coach, might be starting to pay off.
Brad Boyes also had two goals and an assist, and Vincent Trocheck tallied the first goal of the game on an impressive, patient wrister from the right circle. Dare it be said it was a the type of goal a "goal scorer" scores. Trocheck is an extremely impressive young player who has incredible vision and passes just as effectively as he shoots. He may get sent back down to San Antonio when all the healthy bodies come back for this team, but no decision is more difficult for Gallant. That is a good problem to have.
Would you rather see Trocheck or Tomas Fleischmann in the lineup right now? No doubt the veteran has to sit, and that is what it may come down to.
This team is playing loose. They are having fun. Most importantly they've scored 17 goals over their last four games after starting off the season beyond offensively challenged.
A well-rested Roberto Luongo will face off against the Kings tonight in what should be a much tougher game for the Cats. The defending Stanley Cup Champions will be another great litmus test on just how good this young Panther team is at this time. Regardless, the road trip started with a bang, and if there is anything to be learned, it's STAY LOOSE.
Dan Spiegel... Florida Panthers Media The Panthers Are Moving! The Panthers Are Moving! Follow me on Twitter Join the Florida Panthers Insiders FB Page Connect with me on Google Plus