Many months ago, Panthers fans were elated at the front office’s change in direction and commitment to winning - as evident by the signing of future Hall of Fame coach Joel Quenneville, combined with an active offseason that saw them bring in a number of different pieces to help strengthen the club.
Tonight marks game 20 of the 2019-20 season. However, after the loss to Winnipeg on Thursday, some feelings I had have kind of been validated.
It seems odd to sound like I’m complaining when the Cats currently sit in third place of the Atlantic Division, but I’m really not. It’s more observations of concerns I had during the offseason that have been evident in the early stages of this season.
Simply put: I believe this team can be so much more, but they’re just not quite there.
That’s where the frustration lies for me.
One of the things that has been maddening the past couple years is the inconsistent play. The “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” act as we refer to it. Under Q, some of this has been cleaned up, but the fact reamains that they can still be very up and down.
It feels like I don’t know which team is going to show up each night, and in some cases, we can see two teams in one game - *cough*
Boston *cough*
This is something you don’t see in the top dogs. Sure, they’ll have their off nights and skids here and there, but the good teams manage to stay consistent. There’s just something with those teams that you know they have “it” when watching (see Chicago when in their 10-year prime) and they play a complete game each night. There’s just a belief they’ll always win.
Which brings me to my next thought...
Many fans seemed to think the offseason moves somehow meant an automatic lock for the playoffs and Stanley Cup. Like it was flipping a light switch. I can’t say I blame them, the Cats have been (frustratingly) on the cusp for what feels like years now and this offseason seems like exactly what the doctor ordered to help push them to the next level.
And I believe it ultimately will...but I’ve also believed that it may take them some time.
While it’s too early to gauge who really is legit and who are pretenders, my cautiously optimistic side, which I’ve maintained since the summer, tells me the Cats are somewhere in the middle right now - which is a familiar place for them - despite their current place in the standings.
To find that next gear and show they’re not pretenders, a good place to start would be to win the games they they should win. Sounds stupid, I know, but there have been a number of times this season that the Panthers have been right there with teams, only to self-implode at different parts of the game or the majority of the contest. The Jets game felt like one of those they should have won, but lost in the third period.
To be fair, it’s tough to win when you have a shaky backend and a $10M/per guy that lets in around four a game. Now, this isn’t all on a Bob, as defensive lapses and turnovers (by both the offense and defense) have contributed greatly, but Bob needs to find his form and be that rock in the blue paint that the Panthers brass believes he can be. This was the Bob I was nervous about when that massive contract was given out. The flashes are there, but we need him to put it all together. Again, it’s early, but let’s get it together here, boys.
Again, I know I sound crazy, especially when you look at the standings, but I know these guys can be more if they can put up that full-game effort in each night. We’ve seen glimpses throughout the season. The blueprint under Q is ceartainly there. iI’s up to the players to execute.
Rags in Town
The Cats clash again with the New York Rangers tonight. Let’s hope for less wildness and more control of the game from Florida this time around.
This is an opportunity for the Panthers to jump on a demoralized team. The Rangers are currently licking their wounds after being pounded by the Lightning 9-3 on Thursday night. Some N.Y. media outlets are saying it’s the worst performances in a decade. The Rags allowed five Power Play goals (the eighth time in their 93-year history) Thursday. This bodes well for a Panthers PP that seems to be starting to click.
The Cats weren’t sharp on Thursday either and failed to beat a backup goalie in the Winnipeg blue paint. The Rangers lineup could be depleted with Kaapo Kakko and Jacob Trouba both questionable. Mica Zibanejad is most likely still out and Mark Staal is sidelined after ankle surgery.
But don’t take them lightly. Prior to Thursday, NYR went 5-1-1 in their last seven games and they’ll no doubt be looking to have a big response after that brutal loss. I expect them to come out flying.
The game plan for the Panthers should be simple: get the win in a convincing manner.
I want to see these guys get a strong victory. Offensively, get up on the scoreboard and maintain it. Don’t take the foot off the gas and try to protect the lead or get comfortable. Keep getting after it. Easy on the cute/forced passing, keep it simple with good movement and pucks on net. The King is probably getting the nod, so be ready.
From a defensive perspective, keep N.Y. to the outside and minimize any high-quality chances. Be smart in your own zone and make the play that makes sense and don’t force anything. Keep your eye on the Bread Man when he’s out there and be ready for an angry team looking to have a bit response.
Lastly...step it up and give that 60 minute effort.
All cliche, “easier said than done” stuff, but they have to do it.
Hey...let’s get it done tonight, fellas!
Go Panthers!
[Image from FlaPanthersVault.com]
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»