Big thanks to Rats, Jimbo and Shynes for the nice recaps/insight of yesterday’s game that I wasn’t able to see. Nice work, guys!
After catching up on the tilt this morning, I agree with your guy’s thoughts. Yesterday was the really nice, convincing win we have been wanting to see and it couldn’t come at a better time, as the Cats prepare to take on their Kryptonite in the form of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Despite going 1/4 on the PP, I thought Florida had some really nice puck movement on the man advantage yesterday. Nice to see they only surrendered two PP’s to the Preds - although Nashville was able to convert on one.
Of course the man of the hour was Noel Acciari and his hat trick. What a great signing that was a couple seasons back. I love his game - just a lot of hard work, grit and skill. Those goals also show the importance of net-front presence and hanging around the blue paint.
Speaking of net-front guys...congrats to everybody’s favorite disrupters, Patric Hornqvist, on his 500th career point.
And how about The Tank? Vatrano is having himself a season so far with eight goals - all of which have been at even-strength, with two of those being game winners.
This was a nasty setup from Barky yesterday on Vatrano’s goal by the way...
And how about Huby going full-Patrick Kane?
Overall
Yesterday was that fun brand of hockey where the Panthers had everything working. Great pace, moving the puck well, exposing Nashville’s weaknesses, and playing with a lot of confidence - just all around solid work.
In fact, I think Hornqvist said it best:
That last line is key. They can’t sit back now. The last thing this team needs to do is get content (again) with how they’re playing. They need to strive to keep getting better with each game - especially heading into today where they face a good Carolina team that seems to have their number.
Looking at the below fun facts from
Litter Box Cats should be fuel for this team to keep the fires burning:
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Noel Acciari’s hat trick was the third of his career. Acciari recorded back-to-back hat tricks against Ottawa (12/16/2019) and Dallas (12/20/2019) last season. His final goal was his first career power-play tally. He is the fourth Panther in franchise history to have recorded at least three hat tricks with the club, joining Pavel Bure (10), Ray Sheppard (5) and Olli Jokinen (4).
- Jonathan Huberdeau notched his team-leading 10th goal of the season, extending his goal/point streak to two games (2G/1A). Huberdeau’s tally was his 158th NHL goal, surpassing Scott Mellanby for third-most goals scored in franchise history.
- Florida is one of two NHL teams (Montreal is the other) with only one road regulation loss this season. The Panthers have won seven of their past eight road contests (7-1-0).
In addition to his goal, Frank Vatrano added an assist on Acciari’s first marker. He has produced four goals and five points over his past five games. The Tank is rolling, folks.
- With the pretty assist on Vatrano’s goal, Aleksander Barkov extended his point streak to a season-high five games (1G/6A).
- Grigori Denisenko played in his first NHL game, logging one hit, one blocked shot and two shots on goal in 12:59 TOI. Denisenko’s tripping penalty led to Eeli Tolvanen fourth of the season.
Despite the great win, I’d still to see to Cats bulk up that win percentage in the faceoff circle. They were again beat out by the Predators in that respect yesterday (46.9/53.1).
With back-to-back games like this, I would expect Driedger gets the nod today, but I’ve really been liking how Bob has played. I know I said it in yesterday’s blog, but I think he might (finally) be catching his groove and heating up.
Regardless of whoever is in the blue paint though, the Cats need to continue working on clearing the front of the net. The first goal Nashville scored yesterday was the result of another missed assignment and a guy allowed to stand freely in front of Bob. Granted, it was a Preds PP, but someone has to pick that guy up.
Have to contain that Carolina speed today and force their shooters to the outside as much as possible. Don’t give these skilled players the opportunity to get in close.
Defense today, boys!
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Let’s have a repeat of yesterday and put Trocheck and the Canes in their place!
Go Panthers!
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