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Battle of Florida: Game 3 |
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The Cats have put themselves in a very tough spot after dropping Game 2 to the Lightning by a score of 3-1.
At this rate, the ‘Battle of Florida’ shirt I ordered from Spittin’ Chiclets last week will get here just after the Panthers make their first-round exit…
Just joking (sort of). While that’s a very “glass half empty” view, if the Cats don’t make some adjustments, and fast, they’ll quickly be on the outside looking in.
Until they’re eliminated, I still believe the Cats have a chance - I have to, I’m a fan. But they have to obviously be better.
While Game 2 lacked the same intensity as Game 1, there were some pros and cons I observed that affected Florida:
- Tampa did a good job of clogging up the middle and protecting Vasilevskiy from having to face too many high quality/dangerous chances. Cats have to figure out a way to get traffic in front and disrupt Vasi’s concentration
- To the above point, Hornqvist doesn’t look to be 100% and has not been able to play his brand of game - which is sorely needed
- The Cats played best when they put their work boots on and ground it out. They had more success on the dump and chase - working to gain an inch - rather than trying to be fancy and thread their way through Tampa’s strangulation of the neutral zone and their big/skilled defensemen in the offensive zone
- Marchment’s goal was a good exercise in getting Tampa’s defense to move and get out of position in order to setup a quick strike, but Marchment cannot be the main (only) scorer for the Panthers…
- Lomberg has been the most impressive Panther to me through the first two games. Intensity, great motor, goes to the tough spots, battles for teammates, plays the pest/agitator role well and is an all-around spark plug
- Yandle - what can you say? Some bad turn overs for sure. I believe he’s in the lineup because Q and the coaching staff feel he’s a better option in this situation than the likes of Juulsen, Keeper, Connauton, Kiersted, Stralman and so on. Maybe they’re right, maybe they’re not. I still think it’s worth it to insert someone else (Connauton) to hope for a spark on the back end
- An unpopular opinion, but I would have went with Bob in Game 2. I was kind of surprised Driedger got the start. We’re not in the regular season anymore where splitting time is the norm. I thought Bob was good in Game 1, he just had the misfortune having to deal with TBL on the PP four times and a PK unit that could not shut them down. He was also the best player for the Cats in last year’s playoffs and the guy in net that helped sweep TBL a year prior. To me, it should be Bob’s net to lose. I personally think he has had a knack for the playoffs the past few seasons, so why not let him be the guy? Driedger looked shaky and generally off in for a bit in Game 2. He settled in nicely, but the damage had already been done - not that he could have helped those two goals. I’m curious who starts tonight
- I kept waiting for Huby and Barky to show up. They were noticeable in Game 1, but disappeared in Game 2. This has always been my biggest gripe with them. Such talented guys, but seem to struggle when the heat gets turned up and are needed to step in and take control. These are the guys who have to shoulder the load, but often times don’t in big spots. It’s going to be interesting to see their response in the next two games
- Bennett has made a big impression since coming over from Calgary and his absence in Game 2 was very noticeable. This was made worse due to the fact that the suspension came by his own hand on a selfish (and dangerous) revenge play.
Game 2 showed that if Tampa continues to take away the middle of the ice, Florida has little to no chance of beating them - especially when they’re not getting shots through from the areas Tampa is giving them.
The Panthers need to find that Game 1 attitude and come out swinging tonight. I believe their best chance at opening up the ice is through physicality and getting the Lightning on their heels and out of position. Adding the speed element via Duclair would help, too. They just cannot allow Tampa to settle in and get comfortable running their scheme.
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Big mountain to climb tonight. Use the road as an advantage and beat thieve guys in their own barn! Go Panthers!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
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