After beating Montreal by a score of 9-5 in one of the strangest NHL games I have seen in a long time, the Panthers followed it up with a big win against the the New Jersey Devils.

The victory over NJ was significant for a few reasons:

1. The Devils are a very good team and are #2 in the Metropolitan Division at 45-18-7
2. The Comeback Cats appeared and played with tenacity to get back into the game and win
3. Florida added points to keep their postseason hopes alive
4. Panthers appear to be getting hot at the right time

Florida went 5-1-1 during their recent seven-game home stand, putting them in a good position to make a legitimate playoff push and grab the last spot in the Eastern Conference.

Even more exciting news is that we are seeing the big name guys playing big: Tkachuk, Barkov, Reinhart and Bob have been looking great during the as of late — with Barky tying Huberdeau for most points in Panthers franchise history at 613.

One thing that will be important to aid in this playoff push (and hopefully getting in) will be toughness. While Florida has a couple guys who bring grit in Tkachuk, Gudas, Lomberg and Hornqvist (the latter who is still out), they can use more.

The guy who helps strengthen that toughness element is Givani Smith. I have been a fan of Smith since seeing him in Detroit — even going so far as to mention in a blog that I would love to see him in a Cats’ sweater one day. I got my wish and have not been disappointed. The only disappointment is that he has been injured and out of the lineup for some time. However, Katie Engleson reports that Smith is back on the ice and no longer wearing a non-contact jersey.

Givani Smith out on the ice at morning skate and has shed his yellow non-contact jersey.

— Katie Engleson (@KatieEngleson) March 20, 2023

Big and strong, Smith adds a nice element to the Panthers fourth line. The Panthers are fortunate to have the forward talent they do, so that a role player like Smith is freed up to play his game, which can be tough for opposing teams to play against because he’s a solid grinder who plays hard.

This is an important (and quick) road-trip that Lyon has been recalled for.

Does Barky make history tonight?

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Let’s get some more points…Go Panthers!

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