Whether you a team loses 2-1 in regulation or 20-0, a loss is a loss and counts the same in the standings. But for a team that is trying to sell the "turned the corner" deal to their fans, Saturday night was an abomination. How short can a team's memory be after such a letdown?
The Florida Panthers, coming off a solid performance in Tampa Thursday night, allowed the New Jersey Devils to come in to their house for their hope opener and make them look stupid. There is no way around it.
The Devils were up 4-0 after the first period, and 2:59 into the 2nd, 5-0. Roberto Luongo looked like a shell of himself and had a hard time seeing the puck through all the screens. Positioning team-wide was horrible and there was practically zero chemistry amongst the lines for most of the game.
While the Panthers outshot New Jersey 29-24, the Cats never truly threatened in the 5-1 loss. Derek MacKenzie had the lone goal for the Cats.
Of the embarrassingly low 11,419 said to be in attendance for the game, the dwindling Panther contingent excited to see their "reborn" team had to be frustrated beyond words. This is not the statement the team needed to make. This is not the type of product that will quell the relocation rumors. What kind of run will it take to get those fans to come back to a game after this punch in the gut?
The silver lining that the two teams were tied 1-1 in the 2nd and 3rd periods may have some merit, but it's hard to find a good reason why any team wouldn't have some serious jump as they play their first home game of the season. With all the veterans balancing out the youngsters on the roster, could it really be nerves?
Apparently these aren't the same trapping New Jersey Devils most fans find a bore. They scored 11 goals in their first two games. But that is no excuse. The Panthers are built to hang tough with teams like that, making the thud even louder.
Yes it was just one game. One would think the effort tonight against Ottawa is going to be much more spirited, especially in the 1st period. But a loss tonight that ends up turning into losing 3 out of the next 5 puts the Panthers right back where they are used to being...
...looking at a huge mountain to climb before the season even got started.
That just cannot happen. Too much is at stake and the window for hockey sustainability in South Florida is closing.
Dan Spiegel Florida Panthers Media Follow me on Twitter Join the Florida Panthers Insiders FB Page Connect with me on Google Plus