The late day blog worked well last time because the Panthers got a Game 4 victory.
So, why not try it again?
The hot topic coming out of Game 4 wasn’t just the Cats comeback win, it was also the hits delivered by Mikkola and Ekblad.
As a Florida fan, I can admit a dirty hit when I see one, and both of these were just that. These types of hits are not only dangerous, but very selfish. They put your team at a disadvantage for a given amount of time during the game, and in Ekblad’s case, it will be two whole games he sits out. And at the most critical time of the season.
These two plays also opened my eyes to something…
Perhaps being a longtime Panthers fan has dulled my senses to the hockey community around me. As a perennial loser for so many years — and the butt end of every golf joke out there — Florida was never taken seriously. As such, there was very little criticism of them outside of plethora of bad/confusing signings and contracts.
Then things started to change…the Panthers began winning and (surprisingly) have become a playoff regular for the past few years.
It seemed like the general consensus from the hockey world was that people were happy (or indifferent) to the longtime “loser” franchise finally enjoying some success.
When guys like Bennett and Tkachuk came into the picture, the Panthers’ DNA started to change, and with it, so did hockey fan’s perception of the Cats.
Florida finally had the grit/sandpaper they sorely lacked for so many years. This new element, combined with the high end skill of the other players, meshed very well. Even though the above-mentioned players (and a couple others) have a tendency to cross the line - drawing the ire of some fans, which is sometimes certainly justified.
Despite whatever people thought of them, the Panthers became a very balanced and dangerous team.
The result of this was a Stanley Cup championship.
And no one hates the champs more than fans of other teams.
Heck, I’m guilty of it. I rib a lot of teams in the league for one reason or another. That’s one of the great things about sports, you can dog teams/players for no reason at all if you want!
As Florida fans, we are watching a wrestling storyline play out right in front of us.
The Panthers had a long run as one of the league’s babyfaces. That gets stale when it goes on for too long. You become boring, the fans boo you, and they eventually stop paying attention.
So, what do you do?
There’s only one thing: Turn heel
Panthers fans love them. Other fans hate them now (at least according to numerous comment sections).
Whatever side you’re on, I say enjoy the ride!
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End it tonight, fellas!
Go Panthers!
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