“As you go through a season the games get more important and more important. You find out about what it’s going to take to win important games. We’ve got to learn to find a way to step up to the plate when it counts and, right now, everything counts.”
The above quote is from Q following the loss to the Islanders on Thursday night. These words need to hit home with this team and fast, because the reality is that the Cats are quickly sliding down the standings.
For awhile, Florida sat in second place of the Atlantic Division. They’re now in fifth, right behind the in-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning.
What’s frustrating is that many of these recent losses were winnable games, but through lack of scoring, effort and mental mistakes (turnovers, lazy plays, etc.), those valuable victories were squandered.
Never on the Same Page
Every team goes through their ups and downs throughout a season, that’s part of the game. Sometimes it’s scoring droughts, defensive struggles, goaltending or a combo. But the good teams find a way to address and correct the issue and get back on track.
For the Panthers, if it’s not one thing, it’s something else. For example, it seems Bob has found his game, but now the offense can’t find the back of the net. Then there’s times the offense plays well, but the defense does not. Then both the offense and defense will have good games, but get no help from the man between the pipes. Or the defense is really bad. It’s like a rotation.
This harkens back to all the talk we had about playing a complete game each night. They need to put it all together, or learn to pick up the slack in other areas when one is off, and quickly, or they’ll find themselves at .500 or worse.
Big Bob
I wanted to take a minute and give credit where credit is due. I’ve been fairly critical of Bob since the blockbuster signing. I think some of that criticism was fair - a big payday expects big results. When I saw him having some of the struggles he’s faced throughout his career, I certainly got nervous.
To his credit, he’s been stellar these past few games, especially the loses, which could have been far worse if he had not stepped up and gave them a chance by keeping it close. His confidence is thee and his positioning has been great - like I said, these couple losses could have been far worse.
I truly believe the message was received when they sat him in favor of Driedger and I think that shows serious professionalism on his part. Let’s hope he keeps it up moving forward and the rest of the squad pulls it together.
Boston Tonight
Coming off two losses, the Cats find themselves in an uphill battle against one of the best teams in the league as Boston comes into town. This Bruins team sits at a very impressive 20-7-6 record.
Yes...we all remember what happened the last time these two teams played, but I would suggest to the Panthers that they not rely on that (awesome) comeback win as some kind of automatic pass to beating these guys. They should certainly use it as motivation to know they can compete with Boston, but they’ll need to be ready because I don’t see the Bruins letting that happen again.
The game plan should be as simple as possible heading into tonight. The Cats need to look at what they’ve done the past two games and simply not do that again. Easier said than done, I know. But here’s what I’m thinking...
1. Minimize turnovers (duh): Every game will have turnovers, but limiting the amount and where on the ice they happen is key. Florida turned the puck over 23 times to TBL and 13 times to NYI, the latter saw many turnovers in the defensive zone with one terrible one resulting in a goal. The Cats have to stop coughing the puck up in their zone or trying to pass up the middle of their own net...this is basics, guys.
2. Utilize the Power Play: The PP has been up and down (mostly down) this season and that’s something we’re not used to. With the Cats offensive struggles at full-strength, they desperately need to be able to capitalize on the chances they have the man advantage. The Islanders went 2/3 on the PP in their 3-1 win over The Panthers. They took advantage of the opportunities that were given to them and if Florida wants to get out of this scoring rut, a good place to start would be to do the same thing when they find themselves of the man advantage. Enough relying on Hoffman. That game plan is stagnet and I think all the opponents know the Cats are going to try and get him the puck. Guys need to get selfish and put the puck on when the opportunity arises. Trying to force impossible passes so that Hoffy can one-time it isn’t always necessary.
3. Better Quality Opportunites: We’ve talked about it before, and the Cats were doing it for a bit there, but they need to get better scoring opportunites. In fact, Barky talked about the same thing after the loss to the Islanders. They just didn’t get the bodies to the net like they need to. They had some chances, but ultimately couldn’t find the twine. Do the dirty work, go to the hard areas, disrupt their goalie. That’s what helps you get goals.
4. Keep them to the Outside: The Panthers are far too soft in front of their own net and allow opponents to get into great scoring position. The Bruins have some unreal talent in Pasta, Marchand, Bergy, etc., that have no problem working their way into dangerous scoring spots on the ice. Smarts and skill runs up and down this Boston roster. They have guys that can walk defensemen, setup teammates through fantastic passing and so forth. The Cats need to get bodies on these guys to slow them down and disrupt their flow.
Matheson will be back in the lineup. Hopefully the press box was a wake up call of sorts for him because their going to need everyone to be in top form for tonight.
I’m expecting a fast game that’s on the razor’s edge of being close or a blowout in Boston’s favor - let’s just hope that’s not the case!
Need a big showing tonight, boys!
Secret/Guilty Pleasure Team
Off topic, but I have a completely random question for you guys that I was thinking about the other day...
As hockey fans, I think we all have different teams we keep an an eye on. For example, I’m a Panthers, Blackhawks and Kings fan. But I secretly like the Stars, too. They’re sort of a “guilty pleasure” team because they’re in the Central and a rival of Chicago.
Do you guys have a team(s) you like that maybe you “shouldn’t”?
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Puck drops in a few hours...let’s go Panthers!
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