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Cats & Blueshirts: RD3, GM2 |
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The Panthers came into MSG ready to play on Wednesday night, leaving with a big 3-0 road W…and a shutout!
However, it should be noted that the Rangers were not without their chances. In fact, New York had some monster opportunities to get on the scoreboard, but thankfully Bob was better - and don't discount the luck factor either (breakaway off the post).
Speaking of the latter, one thing Florida needs to be better at in Game 2 is preventing the Rangers from getting behind the defense for breakaways. Florida gave up two to three chances to NY with this exact scenario.
It was strange hearing MSG so quiet for long stretches of the game. But that can all change in an instant, as we saw with about 10 minutes left in the third when Trouba laid a big hit on Stenlund. The crowd erupted, and so did the Rangers. They poured on some heavy pressure for the next few minutes.
Alexis Lafrenière’s goal on his own net was what helped break the Rangers momentum. I know Blueshirt fans were mad, but what could he do on the play? He’s got the right idea, take away the pass. If he doesn’t put his stick down, that’s an open one-timer. Unfortunate for New York, fortunate for our Cats.
Tonight should be a really interesting one…Can the Panthers pull off another road win?
It’s going to be tough. We definitely didn’t see the best New York had to offer, but when they turned it on and got their chances, they looked really good.
Florida needs to carry over that heavy forecheck tonight that they had in Game 1. This stifled the Rangers for the majority of the game and allowed the Cats to drive the pace.
I was also impressed by Florida’s ability to keep the PIM low. This was HUGE, given the fact the Rangers have the best PP in the league.
We’ll need to see another big game from Bob, too. I feel a major storm coming from the Rangers tonight. Like I was saying, their Game 2 offensive spurts were scary…they move the puck well and didn’t miss by much.
HOLD THE LINE!
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Go Panthers!