Two years ago the Panthers were in the middle of an incredible 12-game win streak that vaulted them to the top of the Atlantic Division and on their way to 103 points, the best in franchise history.
At the time, it truly was remarkable because there was no sign of life that a streak like that was possible with how the team was playing. They weren't playing poorly, per se, but it looked as if Florida might have a good shot at a 5-8 seed in the playoffs.
That win streak over five weeks was the key to a meteoric rise not only in the standings, but in the NHL consciousness.
After a disastrous, forgettable 2016-17 season the Cats find themselves in an interesting spot as they emerge from Christmas break.
For better or worse, it took 12 weeks for the Panthers to have their first three-game win streak. Last Saturday's gutty 1-0 win against Ottawa was exactly what this team looking for their identity needed going into the break. Beating the Wild 4-2 the night before, in what was arguably the best third period of the year, started to reveal something different from what was shown over the first two months.
Jonathan Huberdeau is a man possessed right now. His 205 lbs. of muscle is almost 40 pounds heavier than when he was drafted 3rd overall by the Panthers in 2011. His physical development has translated into his game with dominant play of late. He has the last two game-winners and is emerging into what GM Dale Tallon envisioned years ago.
James Reimer has been filthy. It was if a switch flipped in his head when Roberto Luongo was lost 6-8 weeks to a lower body injury December 4th against the Islanders. Knowing that he was the unequivocal #1 starter indefinitely has turned him into a stone wall. His victory against Ottawa was his 18th career shutout, and he will start his 10th consecutive game tonight at home against Philadelphia. The Panthers are 5-3-1 since Reimer has taken over.
The much-maligned defense has slowly but surely become more of a dependable unit. If they are giving up shots, they are usually letting Reimer see it all the way. The also are fifth in the league in defensive scoring. If these trends continue to improve it could bode well for the second half.
The question right now is if the break will help or hurt this team starting to streak. For Vincent Trocheck, who was hit in the ribs with a shot Saturday, is fine but probably needed the break.
Aaron Ekblad, who is quietly having an excellent season, said that for some reason every three or four games the team regresses to a place where they are disjointed and nothing is working. After three wins in a row, is the team primed for a letdown or are the pieces finally coming together to put together a run?
Can Reimer maintain this ridiculous pace he is on? Can Huberdeau keep doing what he does in the clutch? Are the players now comfortable in the system and their responsibilities?
It wouldn't take long to find a Panther fan that will say this is a mirage and inevitable doom awaits.
Pre-conditioning can be a painful thing.
Head coach Bob Boughner came in with a plan...one that has been painfully slow to bear fruit. Except for a few games recently, the Panthers have shown the fire and resolve everyone has been waiting for.
Is this really who they are?
Dan Spiegel
Florida Panthers Media
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