FROM THE DESK OF A NERVOUS PANTHERS FAN –
As Gen Z would say: “Are the Panthers cooked?”
Well…the ol’ eye test certainly has me thinking so.
I say that for a several reasons:
1. Game 1 was awful. We can chalk that one up to just all around, and it seems to have unfortunately set the tone for Florida thus far.
2. Game 2 was different. The Panthers played better, but not up to their full potential/the way we know they can play. It’s obvious they need to be firing on all cylinders to match the skill of Toronto, but it just feels like they won’t get there
3. Two big things that are absent through Game 1 and 2 are the aggressive forecheck (Cats’ bread and butter) and solid defense. Both these items are killing the Panthers. Florida is missing that Lomberg type player to motor in on the forecheck and put pressure on the Leafs player(s) gathering the puck in their defensive zone. The Panthers just aren’t pressuring these guys enough. And to the latter point about defense…way too discombobulated back there. Florida pairings have countless times collapsed on one guy, leaving another (or multiples) open in prime scoring areas. We have seen Toronto score a couple sweet one-timers out front because of this. They’re also bobbling the puck, can’t get a good break out going, and struggle to get shots through. The blue line has been bad all around and it’s a bummer.
4. Though only losing by one goal in each game, and putting on a lot of SOG…the offense isn’t off the hook either. Their inability to consistently penetrate the front of the net and cause a disruption has been very bad. Lots of shots coming from the outside going right into Woll’s chest unimpeded, and not enough guys working for those greasy goals in close.
5. Perhaps the scariest of my points…Toronto simply looks better than Florida. In fact, they look like Florida from last season, and the Panthers are performing like how the Leafs typical do in the postseason.
I’ve flipped the panic switch, folks. Haha
TONIGHT
A must-win. This should be viewed as Game 4. If they lose this, it’s over.
This is the first time I’ve seen everything essentially come together for the Leafs in the playoffs. Their stars are doing their jobs, the defense is holding, and the goaltending is getting it done.
My keys for the game are simple:
Stay out of the box — Leafs have too much talent to be given a man advantage
Bring the physicality – Toronto has turned Florida’s game against them and are using the body to gain the advantage in many areas of the ice
Stronger defense – stop getting out of position, bobbling the puck, rushing up and getting caught…
Heels activate – it’s time for Tkachuk, Bennett, and Marchand to get pesty
Clutch guys activate – Carter ‘Mr. Playoffs’ Verhagae and Rhino need to start putting the biscuit in the basket
Veteran mindset – Cats have been here before and they’ve gone the distance to win the Cup. Rely on that veteran experience to understand how to not panic in this position
Unravel TOR’s psyche – The Leafs are playing great. No doubt about that. But their/the fanbase’s confidence can be easily undone due to years of disappointment and belief in “it’s happening again…” Florida must find a way to put doubt in the minds of this organization and their fans.
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Just get it don’t tonight, guys!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
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