The Panthers have announced that Andrew Brunnette will step in as interim head coach following the resignation of Joel Queenville.

Statement from Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito on Interim Head Coach Andrew Brunette. pic.twitter.com/6rHZBYuL19

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 29, 2021

Asked Brunette about leaning on the rest of the coaching staff during this time:

"We're very close. We're like a family back there. I need them, and we need to be strong together to help our team. ... We're going to rally together here. We're going to keep this team together."

— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) October 29, 2021

#FlaPanthers interim head coach Andrew Brunette: pic.twitter.com/H14R83bjE1

— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) October 29, 2021

Huberdeau said the Panthers are like a family:

“We’re going through this as a team, and [Brunette] is going to be there to help us.”

On tonight’s game:

“We’ve still got to play hockey and do it for each other. That’s what we’re going to do tonight.”

— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) October 29, 2021

Tonight: Panthers and Red Wings

And so tonight kicks off a new era in Panthers hockey as Andrew Brunnette takes over as head coach. I really like Brunnette slotting in for the role. Like Florida brass pointed out, he has 20 years of experience both as an NHL player and in various hockey operations roles.

But the best part is that he knows this team well and he knows what needs to be done to keep them on the right path.

Ekblad said familiarity with Brunette:

“We’re all comfortable [with Brunette]. The standard that was set will be carried on.”

— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) October 29, 2021

As the Cats look to go 8-0-0 it will be the Detroit Red Wings standing in the way of them tonight to try and make sure that doesn’t happen.

The Wings have been a real surprise to me. The Yzerman effect has already kicked in and a team that I thought would be towards the bottom of the standings, finds themselves third (4-2-1) in the Atlantic Division - just two spots behind the first place Panthers. Also…speaking of surprises, how about Buffalo holding it down in the #2 spot? Wow. Good for them!

Two guys I love to watch (and wish the Panthers had) are Tyler Bertuzzi and Givani Smith. I like the skill and grit that Bertuzzi has and Smith is one tough, physical customer and an ideal guy to round out a third or fourth line (at least to me).

If you remember from a few months back that Yzerman worked his magic and pulled off what was a pretty shocking trade when he landed Calder Trophy finalist goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic from Carolina in exchange for a 2021 third-round pick from this past summer’s draft and the rights to UFA netminder Jonathan Bernier - who was later flipped to New Jersey.

Carolina not wanting to pay for Nedeljkovic was Detroit’s gain and they currently run a goalie tandem of Ned and Panther kryptonite, Thomas Greiss.

Interestingly enough it seems like Greiss is outplaying Ned (at least when looking at the numbers), so the Cats better be ready to face the Panther killer if Greiss gets the nod. But I don’t follow the Wings, so I’m not sure how each guy has been looking or what their situations are.

Speaking of goalies…our guy Bob has been fantastic so far. I said it in a previous blog, but he has looked completely dialed in - his composure, angles, and the way he’s thinking the game through (anticipation) has all been on point thus far. Keep it up #72!

Expecting a fast and fun one tonight. Hopefully we see a little bit more of this. Goal of the year candidate in this early season? I think so!

Anthony Duclair everybody 👑 pic.twitter.com/4l2ZYi1goo

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 28, 2021

______________________

Time to hunt…Go Panthers!

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