The Cardiac Cats made a resurgence on Thursday night, and what a display it was!
After going going down 4-1 with about 15 minutes left in the third period, Florida got to work. In classic third-period-Panthers-mode, the Cats strung together three unanswered goals to tie the game and force OT. Big game for Bob. Stayed the course and got the W.
My favorite moment of the night? Lomberg’s goal. Not only was it a beauty, and an exercise in hand-eye coordination, but it kicked off the Panthers’ surge. Congrats to the hustler on his first NHL goal!
The comeback win over CBJ was another example of this team’s “never die easy” (Walter Payton) attitude - and what has become their identity...yes, Florida finally seems to have developed an identity!
Can’t disagree with Frank “Mr. Clutch” Vatrano when he said:
"Even some of the games we're losing, we're right in there until the end. We're competing every single night. You can't ask more of us. We've just got to keep this thing going."
The Central Division standings are getting crowded in the first three spots with the below teams separated by only one point:
Carolina-26 Games Played, 19-6-1, (39)
Tampa- 25 Games Played, 18-5-2, (38)
Florida-26 Games Played, 17-5-4, (38)
Nipping at the Panthers’ heels, and currently sitting in fourth of the Central, is the Chicago Blackhawks - the Cats’ opponent tonight.
The Hawks have 28 games played and a 14-9-5 record (33) and have been a surprising (if not, the most surprising) story of the NHL this season.
For a team that entered the season this year with a rebuild/“trust the kids” mentality, the Hawks have far-exceeded what people thought they would do so far.
Keep in mind, Chicago has been without Toews, Dach, Nylander and Strome, yet, they have found ways to win and be in the playoff hunt.
A big reason for that is rookie goaltender Kevin Lankinen and his platoon partner, Malcom Subban (who has put together some nice games this season). But Lankinen is the Hawks’ future in net and he seems to be the real deal and looks to be able to hold his own at the NHL-level.
If you remember, the Hawks #1 spot was up for grabs heading into this season - with Lankinen, Subban and Delia all battling it out. Lankinen emerged as the #1 and Subban has grabbed the backup, with Delia being sent back to the A.
In 18 games, Lanky is 10-4-4. What stands out to me is not only his confidence in net, but his movements. He has good positioning and never seems to get too out of position, or overplay/commit.
With that in mind, Hornqvist should be be looking to do some work tonight out front.
The other reason for the Hawks’ success thus far is that the veterans are producing and young guns are clicking. It’s amazing to see how Kane can make everyone around him better, and it doesn’t matter if they’re a vet or rookie, #88 finds a way to lift them up.
The Panthers would be wise to be aware of some of the Hawks’ rookie speed, along with vet, Mattias Janmark - he’s quick and has some wheels that can catch guys by surprise.
Keep your eye on Brandon Hagel, too. I love how this guy plays. Has skill, but also plays super hard and isn’t afraid of contact (receiving it or dishing it).
I think tonight is going to be a really good, tough game. I’m expecting a tight battle here...can’t wait!
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Saturday night hockey...Go Panthers!
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