Matt Ross: FLA vs CAR: Eastern Confrence Final, GM 1

I'm hopeful for a 7 game series. It's funny, I thought Bob's contract was an albatross, and would bury the Panthers. Goes to show, I really know nothing. Nice write up

I'm hopeful for a 7 game series. It's funny, I thought Bob's contract was an albatross, and would bury the Panthers. Goes to show, I really know nothing. Nice write up
- Pet.m.d.

This has the potential to be a great series. Both teams are fast and luv to hit. The violence will be fun to watch.

Plus all 3 Stall brothers could be on the ice at the same time. Can't wait to see the brotherly luv.

This is the first time I'm nervous. I thought they were going to be a tune-up for Boston, so I didn't really expect them to win. Same with Toronto, I figured Torontos' offense would steamroll them.

I'm not going to say Carolina is bad, but they also don't have the firepower that the other two do, they're playing a team that is more or less a mirror of themselves. Having Svechnikov out is helpful, but Carolina can beat you with a tight-checking game or can play some firewagon hockey if needed. Should be great hockey.

Florida comes out like a house on fire and tries to ramp up the chaos.

Canes don't bite, stick to their plan, and slowly start to tilt the ice. If FLA can counter quickly they'll take game one, but if Carolina gets to their game Florida's weak team defense is going to crack.

Bobrovsky the great equalizer though.

This is the first time I'm nervous. I thought they were going to be a tune-up for Boston, so I didn't really expect them to win. Same with Toronto, I figured Torontos' offense would steamroll them.

I'm not going to say Carolina is bad, but they also don't have the firepower that the other two do, they're playing a team that is more or less a mirror of themselves. Having Svechnikov out is helpful, but Carolina can beat you with a tight-checking game or can play some firewagon hockey if needed. Should be great hockey.
- jmatchett383

Uhh I don't think you've watched Carolina. They most definitely do not play "firewagon hockey." No team is more structured. They might lose from lack of finishing from their forwards or goaltending. But the team defense is consistently the best in the league.

Uhh I don't think you've watched Carolina. They most definitely do not play "firewagon hockey." No team is more structured. They might lose from lack of finishing from their forwards or goaltending. But the team defense is consistently the best in the league.
- jfkst1

Getting Teravainen back might be enough firepower to tilt things in the Canes' favour again.

I think they take Canes down in 6 - Going to be a terrific series.

Carolina plays a solid game, they attack when the chance is there but rarely put themselves at a disadvantage defensively by forcing plays. They have enough skill to score without recklessly forcing the offense.
That’s what the Panthers have been shooting for all season. Mo’s “playoff hockey”, as he’s been preaching about since his arrival. They’ve been much better executing it through 2 rounds.
“Vezina Bob” returning has a bit to do with the better effort in front of him. They’ve been better at clearing rebounds, they’re not frequently leaving the back door slam dunk open. They’ve been better avoiding turnovers at the blue lines, and the resulting odd man rushes on Bob.

Spoiled through 2 rounds that now I expect wins. Its last year all over again of course minus a round. Hopefully a good series. No sweep for the Canes please I really hate sweeps. 1 major downfall in 2 words... Marc Staal
He is a giveaway machine. Giv'er Hell boys!

- BINGO!

“It’s a bit breezy today”

Getting Teravainen back might be enough firepower to tilt things in the Canes' favour again.
- BINGO!

It is a shame they have had such injuries. They've impressed me in handling the injuries so far. I like all the remaining teams though so I have nothing against any of them winning it all. But to suggest Carolina can or does play a loose brand of hockey is just insane. They are the most structured team in the league by a wide a margin. They have a very deliberate style of play that is the opposite of high event hockey.

Mmmmmmm, bar-b-que!

Mmmmmmm, bar-b-que!


- Ratsreign

too late we already ate the pig

Uhh I don't think you've watched Carolina. They most definitely do not play "firewagon hockey." No team is more structured. They might lose from lack of finishing from their forwards or goaltending. But the team defense is consistently the best in the league.
- jfkst1

Oky, firewagon wasn't the right term. But they're not going to be the 1995 Devils just clogging up the neutral zone waiting to counter-attack, they have a fantastic transition game and their forward attack is speedy enough to generate a lot of chances against teams lacking cohesive defense

I'm hopeful for a 7 game series. It's funny, I thought Bob's contract was an albatross, and would bury the Panthers. Goes to show, I really know nothing. Nice write up
- Pet.m.d.

Thank you!

Pumped up for this game/series…going to be a wild one!

If Cats start on time, play smart, and get their game going, they're going to take this series in 6 or 7. But, if they're hesitant and leaky, looking at 5 the other way.

Both teams coming off nearly a week long break. Good for healing, but not good for maintaining the momentum of doing what's been working.

Carolina has shown that they can give up goals in chunks, but tough to beat at home. Panthers fear no one on the road. Panthers' confidence is high.

Go Panthers!!!

Bruins in 5

"I WANT FLORIDA! I WANT FLORIDA!"

Oky, firewagon wasn't the right term. But they're not going to be the 1995 Devils just clogging up the neutral zone waiting to counter-attack, they have a fantastic transition game and their forward attack is speedy enough to generate a lot of chances against teams lacking cohesive defense
- jmatchett383

No I don't think they're that boring. Flames and basically every Sutter team is a really boring team. CAR is more aggressive in the forecheck than Sutter's system. But CAR challenge puck carriers at the blue line as well as any team. I also suspect the CAR mobility as you mentioned allows them to get away with a more aggressive system than what Sutter's Flames allow. Though Sutter's system was exactly the same from his Kings days- limited risking taking in the O zone, heavy on the back check, dmen challenge strong at their own blue line. So perhaps Sutter really is as rigid as he comes across and Brindamour might be a little more flexible to team strengths.

Bruins in 5
- Feds91Stammer

I said this at the beginning of the playoffs.


I was humbled.

Bruins in 5
- Feds91Stammer

Bruins in 5
- Feds91Stammer