The Panthers face elimination tonight after losing Game 3 yesterday afternoon by a score of 5-1. They have gone from big bad Cats of the regular season, to lost kittens in the postseason.
Not a whole lot to say here…it’s do-or-die for Florida and scoring one goal a game isn’t going to cut it.
While the Panthers have certainly not looked good this series, Tampa’s execution of a game plan to further stifle Florida’s inability to generate any sort of offense has been a major factor in this series. The Lightning have done a tremendous job clogging up the middle of the ice, putting bodies and sticks in both passing and shooting lanes, out-hustling Florida, creating and taking advantage of their opportunities in dangerous scoring areas, on the PP, etc…That’s how winning teams get it done.
Simply put: Tampa has been the better team through three games.
Yes, it seems that after working out the kinks in the first round, the Lightning have caught their stride and are on pace to once again be the team to beat.
The Panthers have the personnel and talent to compete, and even beat, the Lightning. They have had their chances and looked much better during the early parts of Game 3, as the PP was buzzing and they racked up a number of grad A opportunities both on the man advantage and even strength, but they frustratingly continue to be unable to finish.
But do they believe they can beat Tampa? That’s what I’m not sure about.
______________________
Have to leave it all on the ice today to live another day…
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»