Matt Ross: Struggling Panthers vs Coyotes

Maurice has a built in excuse that will keep him around for at least another year, injuries.

We are second from last in our division now, how sad. This will not draw fans to the arena and should put out all types of red flags to Vinney Viola. Change is needed.

Zito started out great when he first came here. he added speed with Duclair and Verhaeghe. Then he added grit with Gurdas, Hornqvist, and Lomberg. He added some more grit with Bennett. But soon after that, he went down hill. Trading for Reinhart for a first-rounder was a mistake. Reinhart is a soft and lazy player. Then he traded for Giroux and Chabot, two short rentals for first-rounders. Another big mistake. Then to top it off he hires Maurice a losing coach. He redeems himself partially by getting Tkachuk. Huberdeau was a soft and lazy player himself and always thought pass first don't shoot mentality. Even now he admits he needs to hire a psychologist to get over that mental barrier. But most of the blame for this season lies on Zito Also Barkov may be a good player, but he does not have leadership mentality.

“I was confused by Maurice’s answer to the question. I’m not trying to make a joke, I’m honestly unsure what he meant regarding the line about players being 100% healthy if they’re in the lineup, but then he eludes to the idea that they can also be playing injured — which we all know. It seemed like a contradicting statement. Given that, I’m guessing Ekblad is not 100% (like we all have assumed).”

I think that was George Richards who asked, he wrote an article about Ekblad on his Florida Hockey Now site yesterday. (I really should subscribe, he’s the best beat reporter on the Panthers)
Right after that word salad of an answer, Mo asked, “Did I give you nothing there? (Answer; yes) “Good, that was my intention.”
Ekblad not 100% is only more reason to use Montour more on the PP, at least until Ekblad finds his game. At least Montour can skate....and he was tearing it up in Ekblad’s spot when he was out injured.

We are second from last in our division now, how sad. This will not draw fans to the arena and should put out all types of red flags to Vinney Viola. Change is needed.
- madhatter56

People are unhappy, and the “Same Old Panthers” feeling is returning for some.

Panthers trying to be the Dolphins

Really? We now are blaming the Panther's losses due to Ekblad not being 100%. Please give me a break. Both Barkov and Ekblad are injury prone. They haven't played an entire 82-game season since being in the league. That being said it is the next man-up mentality. Yes, Zito has depleted our grade-A prospects down to nilch, but this is where a great coach gets the most out of his B or C prospects. Both the GM and manager are to blame for the loses. Not one player injuries. The Panthers have no depth.

The other fault for Zito is that he doesn't know how to manage the salary cap. If a man gets injured, yet you can't bring somebody up due to salary cap issues simply means your GM doesn't know what he is doing. He needs to go back being a player rep or an assistant GM.

M Staal almost gets Knighter put on the IR

E Staal telling us all to hush
He picked the corner, wasn’t much room there.

😂 Ekblad never thinks the call is right.
Poop PK gives up another goal with 2 seconds left in period.
...sequence begins shortly after Goldie says the Panthers will be very happy with this period. The jinx never fails lol.



Really good period before then. 4th line especially

E Staal x2 no fukking way

End of 2 and Barkov has a whopping 0 shots on goal, what a captain

Why does Maurice think that Eric Staal is better than Chris Tierney?

Was going to comment yesterday on another part in the Mo presser in the blog, reporter said he noticed the Panthers were working a lot on their transition game during the practice. Mo kinda blew it off and rambled without really answering.
I was hopeful that meant he is realizing he has to let them run more than they have been.
Last night it looked like it may be the case, they seemed more aggressive attacking than they have been all season. Maybe it’s just me, but that was the most up-tempo, “best defense is having the puck in the Ozone” game yet. Hopefully is a sign of things to come.
Lomberg and Smith were flying around, forechecking and creating havoc all game long. Opening up room for E Staal to snipe 2 goals.

How are you Panthers fans enjoying Uncle Paul?

You can have him back. We'll pack his bags for you.

Not sure why you made the coaching change but glad you did.
Maurice is a mediocre coach who quit on his team last year.
Your defense is way below league average, so letting Weegar go was a steep price on the Huberdeau trade.