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Battle for Florida: Cats vs Bolts |
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The Panthers keep their streak alive of not losing two games in a row (in regulation), after defeating the Nashville Predators 2-0 yesterday afternoon. They’re now 9-0-1 after a lose. Impressive stuff.
Florida poured on the shots yet again, dropping 49 to NHS’s 21. They did a better job of creating some more dangerous opportunities by getting traffic to the front, but there were still a number of non-threatening shots from far out that Saros was able to square up into his chest (as mentioned in the comments section of the previous blog.)
With as many of the shots as Florida snapped off, it’s crazy to think that that they could have had even more if it wasn’t for Nashville managing to block 21 of them...
I was really impressed with Driedger’s performance. For not playing the past 13 days, and coming into yesterday where he wasn’t seeing a lot of action for long stretches (which makes it hard for a goalie to get into a groove), I thought he was solid. He earned that shutout, which was the first this season for Florida, and the second in his career - ironically against the Predators in which he earned his first.
How about this Hasek impression?
A Brewing Storm
Today should prove to be a much different game when the Cats take on the Central Division/league-leading Tampa Bay Lightning.
I obviously don’t need to tell you guys this, but Tampa is really good. The depth and talent that runs through their entire roster is something else.
But it’s not unbeatable.
Looking at yesterday’s game, I think there are some things the Cats can carry over that will help them, and some things they didn’t do, that they’ll need to do:
1. Neutral Zone Disruption
I thought the Panthers did a great job yesterday of disrupting the neutral zone a lot - preventing the Predators from being able to setup and gain zone entries comfortably.
I would love to see them carry this over to today and make it difficult for TBL to run their system.
2. Shots
I don’t see Florida repeating their 49-shot performance today against Tampa, but the rubber they do put on, I would like to see lots of traffic and distribution out front accompanying it.
It won’t be easy because not only is Tampa’s defense elite, but so is their goaltending. Vasilevskiy has won 11 games straight, but this is why you brought in a guy like Hornqvist. In order for Florida to have success today, they will need him (and others joining in) to crash the net.
No flybys!
3. Don’t Get Caught Watching
Tampa has really good puck movement. They have a knack for gaining the zone and moving the puck to get into the soft spots of the ice. Add to that, the ability to move and shake the opposition with their silky hands, the Panthers defensemen will have to not get mesmerized by the skill and make sure to stay focused on the body.
Power(less) Play
We all know it. Florida’s PP is flat. There’s nothing going on there. They went 0/5 yesterday. Think about that...the opposition gave them five opportunities (FIVE!) with a man advantage and they couldn’t convert.
I agree with Jimbo’s assessment of its current state: good puck movement, but no bodies are moving.
Florida allows the opposition’s PK unit to get setup in passing/shooting lanes and not have to move because the Florida PP unit isn’t really moving themselves. If they moved and rotated their positions, it would force the opposition to have to move and adjust to Florida’s new alignment.
They have to get this stagnate PP working again - especially when playing a team like Tampa. It used to be the bread and butter of this offense, but now it’s a non-factor.
4. The Dot and Physical Play
Dominating at the dot is so clutch because it means you control the puck and possession game. What better thing to do against a team like the Lightning then take the puck off their stick as much as possible? Florida can do that today through faceoff wins.
Going back to point #3, the best way to separate the opposition from the puck is through physicality. Let’s get on these guys and not let them get too comfortable out there. I would love to see Tampa get stood up at the blue line early and often.
Successes and Milestones
Just wanted to point out a couple of nice successes and milestones from last game.
Per the Cats’ website:
“In addition to setting a new career-high with his 19th point of the season, the 27-year-old also extended his career-best point streak to an impressive seven games, which moved him into a tie with teammate Keith Yandle for the longest such streak by a blueliner in franchise history.
With 18 of his 19 points coming at even-strength, Weegar ranks second to only Edmonton's Darnell Nurse (19) in that category among NHL defensemen. During his current point streak, he's produced one goal and eight assists, with one of those points coming while shorthanded.”
Hornqvist hits 800:
Lastly...I know we spoke about it in the comments yesterday, but this Driedger setup deserves one more look. Loved the old school blocker with circles on it. Great touch.
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The two top dogs clash today in a battle for the Sunshine State. Let’s win those board battles and foot races.
Get after it and Go Panthers!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
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