Quick hit before tonight's game in Sunrise which is sure to be a doozy. After a fight-filled game Saturday night where unlikely players were involved in all types of altercations, this rematch is more anticipated than most.
"We're lucky to get to play them again on Monday," said Erik Gudbranson after the game. He fought Steve Downie, who unfortunately for Gudbranson stayed in Pittsburgh for tonight's game to be evaluated for the mumps.
Downie was able to get some punches in while the officials had Gudbranson's arms tied up. Willie Mitchell fought Kris Letang, and if you can believe it, Jussi Jokinen got into it with his former friend and teammate, Evgeni Malkin, and was sent to the box for roughing.
While nothing preceded this sudden bad blood between these two teams, it doesn't mean there isn't heightened intensity two days later to show each other there is no love lost.
From a Panther fan perspective there has never been forgiveness for Sidney Crosby, who displayed the ultimate cowardice in jumping a defenseless non-fighter in Brett McLean in 2009 because the game wasn't going The Kid's way. There have been many rousing games since, but the stage tonight will have a different feel. One because the Panthers are no longer league doormats. Two, the small number of home fans in attendance need to see their team come out with fire against one of the league's best to show they belong.
Despite Florida's 3-1 loss Saturday, they surely played well enough to win the game. Head coach Gerard Gallant was very pleased with the effort and said this team will win more than they lose playing like that. Tonight will be a great litmus test for the Panthers on how they respond to the tough, physical loss in Pittsburgh.
Dan Spiegel Florida Panthers Media