Though only Game 2, tonight feels as close to a “must win” as you can get because the Cats certainly don’t want to go down 2-0, especially when heading to Boston for the next two games…
My Game 1 Thoughts
This was kind of a weird game to me. I thought the Cats actually played well for being off for a week. Boston was still very much in the “zone” having just come off their Round 1 battle with Toronto, but Florida kept pace with them for the most part. I mean, the Cats poured on 40 shots, with 39 being turned away by goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
And that was the big story out of Game 1…
Props to Boston for pinpoint accuracy/taking advantage of their opportunities to put four past Bob. In the end, Florida could not figure out Swayman — who made some big saves when needed (along with the routine ones).
A lot of people are referring to this loss as a “humbling” one. Ehh…I don’t really see it that way. To me, it was the first one back after a week off and they just got the bad game out of their system. The series, going forward, will be much different (hopefully).
The Panthers are too good to allow that kind of result again.
Tonight
One of the things I noticed about Swayman was that he left the net after majority of his saves later in the game. This isn’t always a ritual or superstition. Often times when a goalie is locked in, they do this when the heat is getting turned up, ie — high risk opportunities from the opposition, or scuffling in front of the net during/after the play. It’s a way for the goalie to stay of out the fray and keep their nerves. Essentially helping them stay focused.
If I’m Florida, the first thing I’m doing tonight is crashing the net hard, and not stopping the entire 60 minutes. The Cats need to create as much commotion in front of Swayman as they can and not allow him to get comfortable. Florida failed at consistently getting bodies to the goalmouth in Game 1. That has to change tonight.
Coming into the playoffs, Boston was criticized for their goalie platoon. Not the goalies themselves, but the fact the coaching staff was rotating them each game — something that is kind of unheard of in the playoffs.
I believe this is where Boston’s weakness lies. Right now I would think the B’s are going to roll with Swyamn (how could they not).
BUT…
If the Panthers can get to Swayman tonight, it will put doubt in Boston’s mind and could cause a goalie change (since that’s how they have been rolling). Despite the loss, Florida already knows they can get pucks on the net. Now it’s a matter getting consistent bodies out front and rattling the Boston goalie cage.
The Bruins are a very good team that is loaded with talent. The Panthers pretty much neutralized Marchand in Game 1, but we saw how deep Boston is. Obviously, Pasta is going to be Pasta, but the Panthers need to try and be harder on him and some of the “B” characters in this lineup (because they’re all capable of making something happen).
Bennett will return in one of the next three games, per Maurice.
Does anyone know what’s going on with Lomberg?
Gotta bring the physicality tonight!
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GO PANTHERS!
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