The Panthers continue to roll as they look to go 5-0-0 tonight against the Flyers (2-0-1). The Cats will see an old friend in Keith Yandle when the puck drops. In fact…
Coach Q confirmed the lineup will be the same tonight as Thursday.
The main difference from last year to this year is the lineup you see above - specifically the defense. I will admit that I didn’t think there would be much of an improvement on the blue line coming into the season, but these first four games have proven me wrong. Is it perfect? No. But they have tightened things up and the results are evident.
Perhaps the biggest benefactor to the improved defense has been Bob. He has looked like prime years CBJ Bob thus far. I think a lot of that is a combo of help from the defense and a highly focused Bob. It’s not only the confidence that’s there for #72, but it’s his positioning/angles and perhaps the biggest improvement with him: how he’s reading the game.
I’ve noticed a big difference in how Bob is seeing the play develop in front of him this year compared to last year. He’s become a “thinking man” in the blue paint rather than a guy simply reacting to shots. His anticipation has been great and he’s staying one step ahead of shooters by getting into the right spot as they setup their attacks. This was evident on Thursday when Bob stopped a few one-timers from COL.
And don’t underestimate the circular positive relationship that occurs when both the defense and goaltending is improved:
How about this Lundell guy, eh? Fits right in with this team and doesn’t look like a rookie at all. He’s even caught the eye of Q, who had some nice words to say about the rookie:
“He’s not just on our team, he’s making an impact on our team. He’s been put in a lot of critical situations. Defensively he was responsible, but now we’re starting to see him be a little more creative offensively.”
He had a great play when forechecking the other night when he stripped the Avs’ defenseman of the puck and had a beautiful look right out in front in a dangerous area.
The question I have heading into tonight is: How many does the red-hot Bennett get?
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Time to hunt…Go Panthers!
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