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Catnip: Claws and Swords

November 24, 2019, 11:37 AM ET [23 Comments]
Matt Ross
Florida Panthers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Here with a quick one for your Sunday morning...

After scoring two in 18 seconds (barley halfway through the first period) the Panthers lost the lead, and ultimately the game, with a final score of 4-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Canes speed and play-making ability was on display last night after going down early. Credit to them for not folding, but instead, taking the game to Florida and rattling the Cats.

I actually thought Bob had another good game, turning away 31 of 34 shots - many of which were very good opportunities. Giving up three to a talented young team is not too shabby in my opinion, just a shame the Cats offense dried up. The Panthers seemed listless (as Rats pointed out) at multiple points during the game. While they had some opportunities of their own, but Mrazek shut the door. They just seemed to be missing that "hunger" last night. Getting the PP unit working would have been helpful in a game like this.

Ekblad: “A big emphasis on our game was to start on time, start quick. I thought we did that. That’s one of the big positives of this game that we can take out. We had a good start, got two quick goals. We’ve just got to keep moving forward here and not dwell on it."

To Ekblad's above comment, last night was a great example of how this team still struggles with up-and-down play as they continue to try and find that 60-minute effort on a consistent basis.

But let's look ahead...

Buffalo In Town

The Sabres came out hot this season and have since cooled and find themselves 10-9-3.

Sabres by the numbers (per Winners and Whinners:

"The Sabres dropped to 2-8-2 in their last 12 games with the loss and entered Saturday fifth in the Atlantic Division, four points behind Montreal for the final guaranteed playoff spot and 10 back of Boston for the division lead. Buffalo is 22nd in the league in goals for as they average 2.77 goals per game so far this season. The Sabres are tied for 12th in the league in goals against as they allow 2.95 goals per contest this year. Buffalo’s power play has been above average this season as the team is 13th in the league by cashing in 20.8 percent of their chances with the man advantage. The Sabres are just 26th in penalty killing as they successfully navigate 73.5 percent of their shorthanded situations thus far."

The Cats have won 8 of the last 10 meetings between the two clubs and this is a good opportunity for Florida to bounce back from last night's loss. I know it can be hard to go back-to-back, but sometimes it's good because it doesn't give you any time to think or dwell on the previous loss.

For today, the Cats need to just react. Last night felt like they were thinking a little too much in certain situations after losing the lead - prime example being Ekblad's brutal turnover while on the man advantage (a true mens league play). Take what's available to you and don't overcomplicate things.

Come out strong and maintain, boys!

In transaction news...Stillman has been recalled from the Thunderbirds. He should give a spark to the blueline. Wonder who is out with this move?:




___________________

Lace 'em up, don't take the foot off the gas and get it done!

Go Panthers!
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