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Cats Look To Make It Four |
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The Panthers put together another nice game on Tuesday night (although that second period was a bit shaky), taking advantage of a Sabres team that has had trouble finding their footing since going on that nasty winning streak earlier this season. This latest ‘W’ helped put the Cats on a nice little three-game roll here.
So what’s going on?
They’re doing the basics.
I’ve touched on it a number of times, but Boughner’s comments shortly after being shutout by Dallas four games ago, all pointed to the team changing up their approach. While executing the fundamentals isn’t a coaching breakthrough, it’s what successful teams do on a nightly basis and something the Panthers didn’t always do.
Let’s take a very high level look at some that are helping contribute to this latest success…
Getting In Front
It’s not a coincidence that the Cats have found the back of the net 13 times in three games while playing this new scheme. A combination of driving to/getting bodies in front of the net (for screens and disruption), while being more aggressive on the forecheck, has all helped increase scoring opportunities. There have been noticeably less flybys and more planting oneself by the goalmouth.
Put It On
The reason the cliché of “putting the puck on net and good things happen” exists is because it’s true. Anytime you can get pucks to the net, your scoring chances increase. Instead of looking for the cute/impossible pass, it seems like more Cats are taking the Vatrano “shoot first” mentality and it’s a good thing.
The Body
An increase in physicality not only helps wear down the opposition, but also does something else…when you have players willing to give or take a hit in order to make a play, it opens up the ice for other guys; which is always beneficial when the likes of Barkov (who has been unreal lately), Huberdeau, Hoffman, etc. are out there and can play to their strengths.
Big Guns Gunning
No doubt about it, it’s been a lot of fun watching Mr. Between-The-Legs Barkov firing on all cylinders these past three games. The guy has seven points in two games. The team’s better overall play has certainly helped free Barkov up to be Barkov and unleash his full skillset. Huberdeau is also benefitting – scoring himself a pair to lead the Cats past Buffalo. Both of these guys have been machines lately (highlight reel stuff), while Hoffman and Trocheck continue to buzz.
The Blue Paint
It always helps having a stable presence in net and Reimer has been that man – especially against Calgary where he turned away 41 of 43 shots in a really impressive outing. For a guy who has been oft streaky, he has stepped up his game these last three nights and it’s been impressive. While it’s unclear if he’ll be in net tonight (since Lu has returned from bereavement) I’m looking forward to a good goalie duel either way because both Canes’ goalies Curtis McElhinney and Petr Mrazek have been stellar as of late.
The Brown Factor
Josh Brown has been a really nice addition since being called up form the A. The 6’5” 215 lb blueliner plays a relatively simple game (which is nice). I don’t see him getting on the score sheet a lot, which is OK, because what he doe doesn’t necessarily get recorded. He’s a bigger body that can help clear the front of the net, as well as the zone, and win board battles. Never underestimate the benefit of having big, stay-at-home defenseman. I think him being here has helped give the defense some stability.
Tonight: Hurricanes AKA Bunch of Jerks [see Don Cherry] (31-23-6) vs. Panthers (26-24-8)
The Panthers (60) are currently chasing the Hurricanes (68) in the standings, and while neither team is really in the playoff picture right now, it should be a fun game – especially with the Canes winning six of their past eight games. Carolina has recorded 33 points in their past 23 games to help keep the playoffs (potentially) in sight.
Both teams have some key player injuries heading into tonight’s tilt:
Matheson exited Tuesday’s game with a lower-body injury and it’s unclear what his status is for Florida.
It’s also unclear if the Canes’ strong center Jordan Staal, who has been out since December with a concussion but has recently been practicing with the team, will be inserted into Carolina’s lineup tonight.
I think if the Panthers can continue to build off the above points (and other areas not mentioned) they can compete with anyone.
Go Cats!
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